Murder on the Orient Express, WOH 2023 by watervillecreates

Orient Express Murder ON THE

DIRECTOR Beth Lambert

SCENIC DESIGN Allison Turlo

LIGHTING DESIGN Bryant Cyr

SOUND DESIGN Michael Churchill

COSTUME DESIGN Debra Susi

STAGE MANAGER Linda Neubelt

PROPS DESIGN Andrea Swiderski

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

In bringing Agatha Christie’s timeless mystery Murder on the Orient Express to life, our goal is to immerse the audience in a world of intrigue, suspense, and complex characters. As the director, my vision for this production is to captivate viewers with a fresh perspective on the classic story while staying true to the essence of the original novel.

Set against the sumptuous backdrop of the iconic Orient Express train, we have meticulously crafted each detail of the luxurious 1930s setting to transport the audience into a bygone era of elegance and opulence. The train itself becomes a character, symbolizing both isolation and entrapment, as well as a microcosm of society’s diversity.

Our ensemble cast of talented actors brings depth and authenticity to the eclectic array of passengers aboard the train, each harboring secrets and motives. Through their performances, we hope to explore the moral complexities that arise when justice is blurred by personal motivations and the weight of individual conscience.

In this adaptation, we have chosen to delve into the psychological facets of the characters, exposing the psychological toll that the investigation takes on both Detective Hercule Poirot and those he encounters. As Poirot navigates the labyrinth of clues, we invite the audience to question not only “whodunit,” but the very nature of justice and truth.

Through innovative staging, lighting, and sound design, we aim to heighten the tension and create an immersive experience that allows the audience to piece together the puzzle alongside Poirot. The confined space of the train carriages becomes a pressure cooker of emotions, forcing our characters to confront their own biases, fears, and pasts.

Ultimately, our production of Murder on the Orient Express seeks to honor Agatha Christie’s legacy while offering a contemporary interpretation that engages, challenges, and leaves the audience pondering the intricacies of human nature long after the final curtain falls. Enjoy the journey of discovery and deception that awaits you on this captivating ride.

Beth Lambert, Director

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Hercule Poirot .................................................................... Bart Shattuck

Monsieur Bouc ......................................................................... Erik Hyatt

Mary Debenham .......................................................... Jordan Clatchey

Hector MacQueen ............................................................ Taylor Kruse

Michel the Conductor/Head Waiter/Announcer (Voice) ..........

....................................................................................... Randolph M. Jones

Princess Dragomiroff ...................................................... Doree Austin

Greta Ohlsson/Nanny (Voice) ............................... Hannah Weston

Countess Andrenyi/Mother (Voice) ...................... Meg Dearborn

Helen Hubbard .......................................................... Michelle Schmitt

Colonel Arbuthnot/Father (Voice)/Radio (Voice) ........................... ................................................................................................... Jonas Maines

Samuel Ratchett .......................................................... Gary Cummings

Daisy Armstrong (Voice) ................................................ Paige Lambert

PRODUCTION STAFF

Technical Director .................................................

Michael Churchill

Production Manager ......................................................... Bryant Cyr

Production Assistant ............................................ Nathan Sylvester

Light Board Operator ..................................................... Linda Neubelt

Carpenters ................. Michael Churchill, Wil Currie, Erik Thomas

Scenic Artist .......................................................................... Desi Dubois

Backstage Crew .................................... Ryan Eagles, Krystal Guckin, ........................................................Carolyn Snowman, Marissa Steiner

Doree Austin (Princess Dragomirov) is happy to be back on the Opera House stage. Last seen in Holmes for the Holidays, she’s been performing at the Waterville Opera House (WOH) since the late 70s with Waterville Players. She has performed on the WOH stage with Last Laugh, F&P Productions, ACAT and the WOH. Doree is thrilled to add another aristocrat to her resume; the Princess joins Lady Bracknell (The Importance of Being Earnest, WOH) and Grand Duchess Olga Katerina (You Can’t Take It With You, Gaslight and ACAT). She gives special thanks to Richard Sewell who set her on this path at OGC.

Jordan Clatchey (Mary Debenham) is thrilled to be returning to the Waterville Opera House stage for the sixth time. Most recently, you may have seen her as Constance in Rock of Ages or in the ensemble of The Sound of Music. Jordan lives in Winslow with her dogs, Finley and Matilda, and her cat, Smokey. Jordan would like to thank her mom, her aunt and uncle, and Jenn McCowan for their unending belief in her. She would also like to thank the wonderful WOH creative team, as well as the cast and crew of this show for all their hard work and dedication.

Gary Cummings (Samuel Ratchett) is an Army veteran. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, he moved to Maine in 2023. He has acted in a few different plays while in the Army. This is his second show with Waterville Opera House, he last appeared as Joey Primo in Rock of Ages.

Meg Dearborn (Countess Andrenyi) is delighted to be making her second appearance at Waterville Opera House. She is grateful to her friends and family for their love and support and would like to thank all those involved with WOH for their contribution to the continuation of one of the most rewarding communities she’s ever been a part of.

Desi DuBois (Scenic Painter) is back and happier than ever to be making this exciting Waterville Opera House production come to life! Most recently, she’s lent her scenic painting talents to the WOH productions of Rock of Ages, Tuck Everlasting: The Musical, Agatha Christie’s: The Mousetrap, and Clue. Desi has been a practicing artist and maker in the central Maine arts and theater community for over twenty years. You can find her Stone Spirits at Waterville’s own Old Soul Collective; and all across the state in stores and galleries. Desi would like to thank her best friend, Mike, and her fantastically talented and wonderful daughter, Skyla, for their loving support of all her artistic endeavors.

Erik Hyatt (Monsieur Constantine Bouc) is thankful to be returning to the Waterville Opera House stage. You have seen him before in Things my Mother Taught Me, A Fox on the Fairway, The Divine Sister, The Dinner Party, Clue, Miss Holmes, The Mousetrap, The Play That Goes Wrong, A Flea in Her Ear, and has helped with several others. He wishes to express his thanks to the WOH family and his beloved wife, Violet, for supporting him in his art. He hopes you enjoy the show and that you express your art, your way.

Randolph M. Jones (Michel the Conductor/Head Waiter) is excited to help perform this classic whodunnit. WOH credits include Chef Louis (Little Mermaid), Dr. Scott (Rocky Horror Show), Frank Strang (Equus), Bill Ray (On Golden Pond), Major Metcalf (The Mousetrap), and Herr Schultz (Cabaret). Randy has a PhD in Computer Science and co-owns/telecommutes for a small business in Michigan doing artificial intelligence research and development. He lives in Augusta with his magical accomplice, Lisa, and several additional family members, 5 human and 22 non-human. Love and gratitude to Lisa, Stevie, Jesse, Sam, Josh, Ben, Kate, Shaylee, Adrianna, and Luke.

Taylor Kruse (Hector MacQueen) is excited to be back on the Waterville Opera House stage! He has recently graduated and now works as a technical consultant in Biddeford. Previously, he has appeared on this stage in Almost, Maine, The Producers, and The Little Mermaid. He is an alum of Harvard’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals and he has performed at Lakewood Theatre and Sparrow’s Nest Theater. His favorite roles include Major General Stanley in The Pirates of Penzance, Captain Hank Ersaway in Ship Happens, and Nick Bottom in Something Rotten. He would like to thank his friends and family for all their support.

Beth Lambert (Director) is honored to be directing this production of Murder on the Orient Express. She has directed several productions for the Waterville Opera House, most recently, she co-directed Rock of Ages. Beth is a trained actor/director, vocalist, and educator, and holds degrees from Lawrence University Conservatory and Harvard University. Beth has acted, directed, and taught all over the world including the Arcola Theatre in London and was a founding member of a “Theatre of the Oppressed” inspired school in Pune, India. Currently, she is the Director of Innovative Teaching and Learning, and the Acting Chief Innovation Officer at the Maine Department of Education. Beth lives in Fairfield with her two children, Lillian (19) and Paige (12), and her husband, Greg, and is grateful for their love and support.

Ken Ludwig (Playwright) has had six shows on Broadway, seven in London’s West End, and many of his works have become a standard part of the American repertoire. His 28 plays and musicals have been performed in over 30 countries in more than 20 languages and are produced throughout the United States every night of the year. Lend Me a Tenor won two Tony Awards and was called “one of the classic comedies of the 20th century by The Washington Post. Crazy For You was on Broadway for five years and won the Tony and Olivier Awards for Best Musical. In addition, he has won the Edgar Award for Best Mystery of the Year, two Laurence Olivier Awards, two Helen Hayes Awards, and the Edwin Forrest Award for Contributions to the American Theater. His plays have starred, among others, Alec Baldwin, Carol Burnett, Tony Shaloub, Joan Collins and Hal Holbrook. His stage version of Murder on the Orient Express was written expressly at the request of the Agatha Christie Estate, and his

latest play, Dear Jack, Dear Louise, won the 2020 Charles MacArthur Award for Best New Play of the Year and is optioned for Broadway. His book How To Teach Your Children Shakespeare, published by Penguin Random House, won the Falstaff Award for Best Shakespeare Book of the Year, and his essays are published in the Yale Review. He is a graduate of Harvard and Cambridge and is a frequent guest speaker for groups as varied as The Oxford-Cambridge Society, The Jane Austen Society of North America, The Folger Shakespeare Library, and The Baker Street Irregulars. For more information, see his website at kenludwig.com

Jonas Maines (Colonel Arbuthnot) is privileged to be making his Waterville Opera House debut alongside this exceptional cast and crew. Jonas received his BA in Theatre from the University of Maine at Farmington and has worked professionally in Austin and Chicago. Notable past credits include Chicago Fire (NBC) and Darcy’s Game (Dir. Hunter Fenoglio), as well as Hamlet (Hamlet), The Curious Incident of the Dog and the Night-Time (Christopher), Gruesome Playground Injuries (Doug), and more. Jonas would like to thank his beautiful partner, Sarah, for her stalwart support and love, and all the talented individuals whose work made this production possible.

Linda Neubelt (Stage Manager) is new to Maine, having moved from Vermont in September 2021 to Farmington. Over the past 30+ years in Vermont and New Hampshire, she worked as a director, production manager, stage manager, lighting and sound designer, and actor. Since arriving in Maine, she directed an evening of David Ive’s shorts for the Vienna Woods Players and donned the stage at the Waterville Opera House as Mrs. Boyle in Agatha Christie’s play, The Mousetrap, and Running Crew in The Play That Goes Wrong.

Michelle Schmitt (Helen Hubbard) is excited to be part of this amazing cast and production. This is her first show at the Waterville Opera House. Some of her favorite roles have been Margaret White (Carrie), Rosie (Mamma Mia), Kate McGowan (Titanic), and Mrs. Phagan (Parade). A big shout out to her very talented friend, Brooke Cottrell, for Mrs. Hubbard’s choreography. Much love to her friends and family for their love and support. Enjoy the show!

Bart Shattuck (Hercule Poirot) Waterville Opera House productions include A Flea in Her Ear (Victor), The Producers (Max Bialystock), The Odd Couple (Felix Unger), Camelot (Arthur), Rocky Horror Show (Criminologist), Young Frankenstein (Inspector Kemp/Blind Hermit), Wizard of Oz (Wizard), and The Dinner Party (Claude). Other Ken Ludwig plays Bart has appeared in: Moon Over Buffalo (George), Shakespeare in Hollywood (Oberon), and Treasure Island (Long John Silver)—all at Lakewood; The Game’s Afoot (William Gillette—at Lakewood and WOH), Lend Me A Tenor (Saunders—at ACAT), and A Fox on the Fairway (Dickie at Lakewood and Henry at WOH).

Debra Susi (Costume Designer) is a 39-year Theatre Educator and costume designer whose directing credits include U.S. premiere of Fame Forever— Reunion and Rebirth, sequel to the musical Fame, as well as Shrek, Spamalot, Cabaret, Camelot, The Full Monty, The Producers, Clue, The Mousetrap, Almost, Maine, and Tuck Everlasting. Costume Design credits at The Public include Morning After Grace, Women in Jeopardy, Screwball Comedy. In the sunset of her teaching career, Debra would like to thank her husband, family, and friends for their continued patience, love, and support of her artistic work. Missing you, Miss Juli.

Andrea Swiderski (Props Design) is a graduate of Colby College, where she studied Psychology: Neuroscience and Women’s Gender and Sexuality studies. There, she developed her interest in feminist theatre practices and the pursuit of making theatre an inclusive space for everyone: actors, crew, and audience. Andrea has stage managed for seven years, with her most recent productions being The Sound of Music, The Play that Goes Wrong, and Rock of Ages at Waterville Opera House.

Allison Turlo (Scenic Design) is a recent graduate from Syracuse University, where she earned her BFA in Theater Design and Technology with a focus in set design. She has recently set designed two shows for Stella Adler Studio of Acting and assistant set designed a new Off-Broadway musical in New York City, called The Magnificent Seven. She also frequently set designs for a children’s theater in Rochester, New York. This is her second show at WOH and she is excited for everyone to see it! More at allisonturlo.com.

Hannah Weston (Greta Ohlsson) is returning to the Waterville Opera House after spending eight years in South Carolina. She is excited to be back on the Opera House stage. You may have seen Hannah as Tina in The Play That Goes Wrong earlier this season and as the Mayor/Ensemble in Rock of Ages. She’d like to thank Beth Lambert for giving her the opportunity to play such a great character. Thank you, Debra Susi and Michelle Sweet for the warm welcome back. She thanks the cast for making this show memorable. Lastly, Hannah would like to thank her family, especially her parents, for literally supporting her love of theater.

with WATERVILLE CREATES

WATERVILLE MOVES

9:30–10:15am adult + child (ages 5 + under)

10:30–11:30am (ages 5+) 12 + under must be accompanied by an adult

Waterville Moves is a bi-weekly, drop-in community movement class with Matthew Cumbie + Jenny Ngidi-Brown designed for people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences.

SLICE: STUDENTS LEARNING INNOVATIVE + CREATIVE ENDEAVORS (AGES 13-18)

Wednesdays, October 4, 11, 18, 25 + November 8, 15, 3–5pm; Free

Offered in partnership with arts professionals throughout the region, this program showcases career opportunities in the creative arts for teens. Each afternoon will be packed with information, inspiration, and pizza!

3D PRINTING: EXPRESSIVE SELF PORTRAITS (AGES 16+)

Tuesdays, October 10, 17, 24 + November 7, 5:30–7pm; $130

Combine art, 3D printing, and the psychology of identity to express your personal ideas, style, and uniqueness in an expressive self-portrait. Co-taught by Stephen Rochelle and Mark Kavanaugh of the Kennebec Valley Community College.

FIREFLIES

$9 adults, $8 children (12 + under)

A family-friendly film series at the Maine Film Center! Enjoy an afternoon with the whole family, treat yourself to popcorn, and enjoy a classic cinema experience. Upcoming shows:

Sunday, September 10, 2pm Jacob, Mimmi, and the Talking Dogs

Sunday, October 15, 2pm Casper

Thursday, December 28, 2pm A Cat in Paris

3D PRINTING FOR BEGINNERS (AGES 10+)

September 14, 21, 28, October 5; 5:30–7pm; $110 In this 4-week class, learn how to use 3D printers and software, how to “slice” pre-existing models, and how to design and print your own creation. Ages 10-16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

TEEN CLAY CLUB (AGES 13-16)

Tuesdays, October 10 + 24, November 7 + 21, December 5 + 19, 3–5pm; $60 for two-part session

Students will learn wheelthrowing, hand-building, glazing, surface design, and more. Each artist will be encouraged to find their own unique approach in a supportive environment. All materials included.

AFTER SCHOOL ART CLUB (AGES 8-12)

Thursdays, October 12–December 7 (no class November 23); 3–5pm; $15 per session Kids ages 8-12 take a deep dive into art in these exciting and engaging after school art sessions. Young makers and creators will learn more about clay, 3D printing, and more! (WC follows the Waterville Public Schools’ weather cancellation policy.)

SAVE THE DATE 6TH ANNUAL JOY TO THE VILLE

Saturday, December 2, 10am–5pm; Free; Various locations Embrace the holiday spirit at the 6th annual Joy to the Ville community celebration! Join Waterville Creates, the Colby College Museum of Art, the Waterville Public Library, and the Children’s Discovery Museum as we celebrate the magic of the winter season with art activities, luminaries, and more.

“The best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear!”

Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy is sure to delight the entire family.

Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

November 17, 18, 24, 25, 7:30pm November 19, 25, 26, 2pm

Tickets: $27–$29

207.873.7000 operahouse.org

Paul J. Schupf Art Center

93 Main Street, Waterville, Maine 04901 207-873-7000