Agatha Christie’s MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS
Adapted by Ken Ludwig
Performances: April 6 – May 4, 2024
AUDITIONS: Tuesday, November 21 @ 7 pm & Tuesday, November 28 @ 7 pm
Readings will be from the script [DOWNLOAD SIDES HERE]. Callbacks to be determined. Please bring
picture/resume. Performance stipend: $40/performance. Rehearsals begin in February 2023.
Director: Christine Boehm Production Stage Manager: Melissa Troxler
As a snowdrift halts the Orient Express in its tracks, an American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed a dozen times, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, famous detective Hercule Poirot must identify the murderer – in case they decide to strike again. When the Agatha Christie estate approached Ken Ludwig to adapt Dame Agatha’s most enduring novel and put it on stage, he agreed with alacrity – just as quickly as it takes Hercule Poirot to solve the most thrilling case of his entire career. So, wax your mustache and hold onto your passport for what has now become the most highly produced comedy-mystery in the world. Theatre Three is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. As such, we encourage performers of all races and ethnicities, gender identities, sexualities, and abilities to attend every audition. Please familiarize yourself with the material provided. Auditioners may be asked to read for multiple characters. Please attempt any listed accents in accordance with the characters for which you are interested in being seen. Note: When preparing to audition for a character with an accent, try not focus on the accent at the expense of your performance.
The following roles are cast: Hercule Poirot, Monsieur Constantine Bouc, Helen Hubbard, Samuel Ratchett
Character, Age Range, Accent, Description:
Princess Natalya Dragomiroff, 55-60s, Russian
Displaced Russian nobility. The Princess is a gorgeous battleship: determined, arrogant, and accustomed to getting her way. She travels a great deal and holds very decided opinions.
Mary Debenham, 20s-30s, English
A governess. Anxious, but also cool and determined, Mary has a certain sadness about her, as well as many secrets. She is carrying on a secret affair with Colonel Arburthnot. May need to kiss onstage.
Hector MacQueen, 23-35, American
Personal assistant and secretary to Samuel Ratchett, McQueen is a nervous character with a stutter that appears when he is especially anxious. Seems rather new to his profession. Talks a bit too much.
Michel the Conductor, 40s, French
Competent and organized, Michel is the conductor for the first- class carriages of the Orient Express. Handles himself well in a crisis and is very good at his job.
Greta Ohlsson, 30s, Swedish
A Catholic missionary currently serving as a companion to Princess Dragomiroff. She would like to help small children in Africa. Deeply devout. This character may be funny but should not be played as a caricature for laughs.
Countess Elena Andrenyi, 25-35, Hungarian
In addition to being married to a count (and thus, nobility), she also is a doctor. Beautiful, educated, charming, and intelligent enough to match wits with Poirot. Must also be able to do a Hungarian accent.
Colonel James Arbuthnot, 30s, Scottish
A military man of the old-fashioned type, possibly old-money, and used to being obeyed without question. He is strong, charismatic, but also problematic in some of his personal views. Has a temper. May need to kiss onstage.
Head Waiter, 40s, Turkish
The Head Waiter of the Tokatlian Hotel.
PLEASE NOTE: WE ACCEPT NO PERFORMANCE CONFLICTS
Sat, April 6 8 pm
Sun, April 7 3 pm
Wed, April 10 10:30 am
Fri, April 12 8 pm
Sat, April 13 8 pm
Sun, April 14 3 pm
Wed, April 17 2 pm
Fri, April 19 8 pm
Sat, April 20 8 pm
Sun, April 21 3 pm
Thurs, April 25 8 pm
Fri, April 26 8 pm
Sat, April 27 8 pm
Sun, April 28 7 pm
Thurs, May 2 8 pm
Fri, May 3 8 pm
Sat, May 4 8 pm