Guest review by Asya Zlatina
Published Thursday, January 26, 12:05 PM
In the true spirit of Agatha Christie’s works, The Mousetrap delivers mystery paired with just the right pinch of humor.
Last night's Opening Night performance of the Walnut Street Theatre featured a production of The Mousetrap which maximized the play's comic and suspense potential.
From the moment that Jennie Eisenhower (as Mollie Ralston) bustled in through the front door until the very convincing Harry Smith (as Detective Sergeant Trotter) made his humorous first appearance, every character, soon after introduction, showed mastery of their art.
Each distinct from the other, the adept actors illustrated a complete embodiment and ownership of their characters' personalities. While Dan Hodge (as Giles Ralston) portrayed a caring but perfectly cynical husband, Judith Knight Young (as Mrs. Boyle) was the quintessential Englishwoman of Victorian tendencies, as if straight from across the pond.
A significantly animated Eric Bryant (as Christopher Wren) flounced about delightfully, while interacting curiously with the cheerful Paul L. Nolan (as Major Metcalf) and confident Charlotte Northeast (as Miss Casewell).
To round out the collection of lovable oddballs, the ominous, yet jovial Laurent Giroux (as Mr. Paravicini) added to the air of suspense. Eisenhower most charmingly warmed the stage with her take on the hostess and clearly visible, made-for-theater features. Smith was brilliant as a busybody detective.
As a group, the cast was marvelous and incredibly well-rehearsed. The timing was spot-on, the reactions were natural and believable, and the audience was fully engaged. The actors were focused, each showing the expected control and understanding for enunciation and volume during scenes. Projecting into the back rows were not only their voices, but a beautiful array of fitted costumes (by Mary Folino), lighting cues (by Shelley Hicklin), radio variations (by Christopher Colucci), and an inviting set (by Glen Sears).
The Mousetrap was most clearly a production superbly directed (Malcom Black), with careful attention to details in delivery. The spacing onstage and positioning for speech were beautifully orchestrated in order to draw the audience into the center of the action without missing a word.
Perhaps hardest to pull off in showbiz, the comedic lines were a success. Although no standing ovation was given, the Opening Night audience responded throughout with hearty laughs and good spirits.
Thoroughly enjoyable, the cast delivers at the Walnut Street Theater.
The Mousetrap runs through March 4. Tickets can be purchased via this link.
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