Arts & Entertainment
Unravel the Mystery: Murder on the Orient Express Thrills at Spire!
Agatha Christie's iconic whodunit, adapted by Ken Ludwig, delivers a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller that captivates Plymouth.
This summer, the Spire Center for Performing Arts is hosting a theatrical gem that promises to enthrall audiences with its fast-paced action and gripping storyline. Americana Theatre Company (ATC) brings Agatha Christie’s classic thriller “Murder on the Orient Express,” adapted by Ken Ludwig, to life with performances running through July 21. This production is a must-see for anyone looking to experience top-notch professional theatre right here in Plymouth.
The play opens with the luxurious Orient Express making its way from Istanbul to Western Europe. The passengers, a diverse and intriguing mix of characters, find themselves stranded by a snowdrift just after midnight. The drama intensifies when an American tycoon is found dead in his compartment, stabbed eight times, with the door locked from the inside. With a murderer on board and nowhere to go, the passengers turn to the brilliant detective Hercule Poirot to unravel the mystery before the killer strikes again.
Derek Martin, ATC’s founder and the show’s director, describes the production as “one of the sharpest, funniest, most intriguing Agatha Christie stories scripted for the stage.” Martin’s direction ensures that the fast-paced adaptation by Ken Ludwig keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. The Hartford Courant lauds this version as a “fast-moving, powerful theatrical locomotive,” a sentiment echoed by the audience’s rapt attention and enthusiastic applause.
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The cast delivers stellar performances, led by Jesse M. Sullivan as the inimitable Hercule Poirot. Sullivan’s portrayal of the meticulous detective is both compelling and charismatic. The supporting cast, including David Friday as M. Bouc, Erin Friday as Princess Dragomiroff, and Derek Grant Martin as Colonel Arbuthnot, bring depth and dynamism to their roles. Payton Gobeille, Aubrey Elson, Abby Kramer, Wade Dunham, Nick Hancock, Stephanie Wells, Zach Cherry, Brendan Hone, and Arianna Barbosa round out the talented ensemble, each contributing to the tension and intrigue that define this classic whodunit.
The production’s design elements also deserve praise. The set, costumes, and lighting create an authentic 1930s atmosphere that transports the audience to the elegant yet perilous world of the Orient Express. The meticulous attention to detail enhances the overall experience, making every scene visually captivating.
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“Murder on the Orient Express” runs Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm, with 2 pm matinees on Sundays. Tickets are reasonably priced at $40 for adults and $35 for students and seniors, offering excellent value for such a high-quality production. The Spire Center is fully accessible, and ample paid public parking is nearby.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit americanaheatre.org or call 508-591-0282. Don’t miss this chance to witness a masterful rendition of a timeless thriller that promises to scintillate your summer evenings.
About Americana Theatre Company:
Founded in 2011, Americana Theatre Company is a non-profit professional theatre company dedicated to bringing high-caliber productions to the Greater Plymouth region. Under the leadership of Derek Martin, David Friday, Jesse Sullivan, and Erin Friday, ATC continues to fulfill its vision of offering excellent, entertaining theatre that educates and inspires. For more information, visit americanaheatre.org or call 508-591-0282.
Review by Mark Allen Wood
Plymouth Performing Arts Network
