The Nebraska Repertory Theatre presents Agatha Christie’s classic mystery “Murder on the Orient Express,” adapted by Ken Ludwig, Nov. 13-23 in Howell Theatre.
"Murder on the Orient Express" is set aboard a luxurious train stranded by a snowstorm. The play follows the brilliant detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates the murder of a passenger, unraveling a web of secrets among an eccentric cast of suspects. Poirot is played by Equity actor Kurt Zischkle.
“'Murder on the Orient Express’ is one of Agatha Christie’s most iconic tales of espionage, deceit and intrigue,” said Robbie Exstrom, a senior acting major from Kearney. “As we follow one of the most iconic detectives in the literary canon, Hercule Poirot delves into the biggest case of his career and finds himself on the glamorous Orient Express. He navigates the mysterious cast of characters in this very elaborate game of hide and seek and ultimately finds himself solving the universal dilemma — truth or justice.”
Exstrom plays Monsieur Bouc, an old friend of Poirot. He described his character as delightful and loyal to his job.
Brenden Dodds, a sophomore acting major from Geneva, Illinois, plays Hector MacQueen, the secretary of the man who is murdered. Dodds described him as timid, but deeper than he seems.
Harper Allen, a junior acting major from Lincoln, plays Mary Debenham. Allen described her character as an anxious British woman with moments of strength. She said Ludwig’s adaptation is well done.
“He expertly weaves levity and moments of intense mystery together into a really enjoyable script,” Allen said. “Following the paper trail he leaves about the crime is like poetry, in seeing all the ways these lives blend together. Audiences should expect to have the night of their lives. The show is full of twists and turns, so you’ll want to be listening and watching every second.”
Diego DiPasquo, a junior acting major from Los Angeles, plays Michel the Conductor. Jordan Gabrielson, a sophomore acting major from McAllen, Texas, plays Princess Dragomiroff.
DiPasquo said the production offers more to discover with every viewing.
“Audiences should look forward to a night of grand sights, only matched by the grander personalities,” DiPasquo said. “Truly every character has their own unique charm that screams to be heard, and each an equally unique backstory. I really think that audiences can only experience the beauty of the show if they watch it twice. Once you know the ending, there’s so much more you can pick out. We’ve carefully gone through this show to ensure there’s more enjoyment each time someone chooses to watch it.”
Brendon Fox, artistic director at Peterborough Players, is guest directing the production. He is a director, teacher, adapter and producer who has worked nationally and internationally at a number of prominent regional theaters, universities and training programs, including Prague Shakespeare Company, The Juilliard School, Cleveland Playhouse and the Colorado Shakespeare Festival.
Gabrielson said the production has something for everyone.
“This show is an all-around blast that truly has it all,” she said. “If you want to laugh, you should come. If you want to cry, you should come. If you want to put your detective skills to the test and try to solve a murder, you should come. This show is really entertainment at its finest, and there is never a dull moment. Come and see the show.”
The Howell Theatre is on the first floor of the Temple Building. For showtimes and ticket information, visit the Rep's website.
