The Twin Lakes Playhouse in Mountain Home is set to open its production of Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” on Aug. 14, offering local audiences a stage adaptation of the classic 1934 mystery. The show will run through Aug. 30 with performances at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays.
Directed by Joanne Helms with Ronna Fulton as assistant director, the play is based on a 2017 adaptation by playwright Ken Ludwig, commissioned by Christie’s estate. Ludwig streamlined the novel's extensive cast to fit the stage and added humor, all while keeping Christie’s famed Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, at the center of the story.
“When I chose this play, it was because it’s a classic,” Helms said, explaining that she was also inspired after watching her daughter perform in the production. Staying faithful to Christie’s original script, Helms emphasized, “I want the comedy, but I want it to happen naturally.”
The storyline begins with a snowstorm halting a luxury train traveling across Europe. As passengers are stranded, a wealthy American named Ratchett is discovered stabbed to death in his locked compartment. Poirot must unravel the mystery by identifying the killer among the passengers. The plot, influenced by the infamous Lindbergh kidnapping case, sees Ludwig’s adaptation reduce the original 12 suspects to eight.
The production combines a mix of seasoned Twin Lakes Playhouse actors and fresh talent. Karen Maupin takes on the role of Helen Hubbard, a bold American character, while Olivia Wolfe returns as the Countess and Sue Howe portrays Princess Dragomiroff. Poirot will be played by a well-known local actor, with the victim played by a newcomer.
Crafting the dramatic train setting on a community theater stage required creative solutions. The team is employing periaktoi—rotating, three-sided panels with different painted scenes. Six panels will recreate spaces such as the train’s exterior, dining car, and sleeping car. Transitions between scenes, executed by stagehands dressed as porters, will occur directly in front of the audience. Sound designer Scott Ramos is adding period ambiance with effects, voiceovers, and narration for flashbacks.
Twin Lakes Playhouse, a Mountain Home institution since 1971, marks its 55th season with this production. The all-volunteer organization stages five shows annually, continuing founder George Smith’s vision of community-driven theater.
This production is sponsored by Dauna Powell of Peglar Real Estate and Josselyn Obregon, with licensing provided by Concord Theatricals. Tickets can be purchased online at tlpmh.org or by calling the box office at 870-424-0444.