The Valley Players invite audiences to keep the mystery of ‘The Mousetrap’

September 26, 2024  |  By Waterbury Roundabout 

Sgt. Trotter (Ray Merrill, left) interrogates the cast of 'The Mousetrap' on stage at the Valley Players Theater weekends through Oct. 20. Photo by Wayne Fawbush

Opening on Oct. 4, The Valley Players present Agatha Christie’s classic whodunit, “The Mousetrap,” for three consecutive weekends in October in Waitsfield. 

Performances of the play will run on Fridays through Sundays, Oct. 4-20, at the Valley Players Theater. 

Part murder mystery and part psychological thriller, this play is brimming with intrigue, sophisticated humor and surprising twists.

Mrs. Boyle (Marci Robinson, left) meets Miss Casewell (Karin Stevenson) and Major Metcalf (Brent Adams) in a scene from 'The Mousetrap' at the Valley Players Theater in Waitsfield, weekends Oct. 4-20. Photo by Wayne Fawbush

The story: After a local woman is murdered, the guests and staff at Monkswell Manor find themselves stranded during a snowstorm. A police detective arriving on skis (played by Ray Merrill of Montpelier), interrogates the suspects. The list includes newlyweds running the house (played by Sarah McDougal of Warren and Wes Olds from Graniteville); a spinster with a curious background (played by Karin Stevenson of Essex); an architect who seems better equipped to be a chef (in character by Paul Cavaliere of Montpelier); a retired Army major (Brent Adams of Warren); a strange man who claims his car has overturned in a drift (Aric Brown from Middlesex); and a former judge who makes life miserable for everyone (Marci Robinson of Warren). It soon becomes clear that the killer is among them, and the seven strangers grow increasingly suspicious of one another. When a second murder takes place, tensions and fears escalate.

The production originally opened on stage in London’s West End in 1952 and with the exception of a COVID-19-pandemic hiatus, has been in continuous production as the world’s longest-running play. As part of the piece’s tradition, audience members are asked not to reveal the ending upon leaving the theater. Millions have seen the show at London’s St. Martin’s Theatre alone.  

Mollie Ralston (played by Sarah McDougal) greets a mysterious, unexpected guest, Mr. Paravicini (played by Aric Brown) in a scene from 'The Mousetrap.' Photo by Wayne Fawbush

The play is directed by Ruth Ann Pattee of Fayston with assistance from Stage Manager Joanne Puente of Worcester. Pattee also oversees set design with Doug Bergstein of Waitsfield as set build crew chief. The lighting and sound design is by Jasper Mayone from Waitsfield with assistance from Irene Halibozek of Williston. 

Please note, this play contains mature themes and may not be suitable for children under 13. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m.; Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Purchase tickets in advance ($18; $16 for seniors age 60+) at theaterengine.com. Find more information online at valleyplayers.com.