Wilkes University Theatre Presents Murder on the Orient Express April 16-19

Wilkes University Theatre Presents Murder on the Orient Express April 16-19

A luxury train. A snowdrift blocking the tracks. Eight stab wounds. A dead tycoon. Every passenger a suspect and every one with an alibi. Can renowned detective Hercule Poirot solve the mystery before the killer strikes again?

Whodunnit fans can find out when they buy a ticket to Wilkes University Theatre's production of Murder on the Orient Express under the direction of Paul Nelson at the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts from April 16-19.

The story of exotic characters trapped on a train with a killer among them was first told by Agatha Christie in her novel published in 1934. Since then, the quest to find the culprit has come to life through radio and stage plays, as well as on the big and small screen. The most recent retelling saw Kenneth Branagh, who also directed the 2017 film, step into Poirot's shoes. This stage version, written by playwright Ken Ludwig, mixes comedy with the hunt for clues for a fresh spin on the mystery classic.

Nelson welcomed the chance to return to campus to stage the crime scene. The guest director last visited the Darte Center to direct the wizard school parody Puffs in 2024. He stayed in touch with Jon Liebetrau, associate professor of theatre and chair of performing arts, who offered a choice of two directing spots this season. Nelson was performing during one time slot, but jumped at the chance to helm Murder on the Orient Express.

A graduate of the University of Michigan-Flint, Nelson has been a theatre professional for more than 40 years. He's performed in national and international tours and has taken the stage in 46 of the 50 states. With his vast experience, the culture here at Wilkes has made Murder on the Orient Express a welcome homecoming.

Nelson has found a collaborative environment among the faculty, staff and students. The production professionals started meeting virtually to discuss design concepts before Nelson arrived on campus and have since switched to weekly production meetings. "It's a totally supportive and open-door policy," says Nelson of working with the creative team on staff. "I've heard some 'I'm not sure we can do that,' but I've never heard 'No.'"

He's also been impressed by the professionalism of the students who show up to rehearsal ready to work - and take chances. "The program they've got here is good. The students I've worked with are pretty well-rounded," says Nelson. "The willingness of the young actors to take chances and trust what we're doing together, I expect that with professionals. But to find that here with a student population is really cool."

As the director, Nelson set this fast-moving train on the track, but the show needs the cast to keep it running. The rehearsal process started with several read-throughs so the actors can experience the whole script, not just their own lines. Next, came blocking, providing each cast member on the Orient Express their stage directions. With the understanding of their characters' movements, the cast was able to focus on their lines, as well as the choices and texture that add depth to the performance. Then it all comes back to the collaborative nature of live theatre.

"As a director, my job is quality control," says Nelson. "I ask them to bring something to rehearsal and not just expect me to spoon feed them, because they'll have ideas that I don't have."

As for what those ideas are, Nelson remains tight-lipped so as not to give away any spoilers. Anyone interested in getting to the bottom of the mystery will have to join Detective Poirot to find out more.

Without revealing whodunit, Liebetrau shares that this final production of the season was chosen because it challenges the students to delve into another time period, whether they're building characters or working on technical design.

"Murder on the Orient Express offers our performers an ample opportunity to stretch their skills by bringing to life characters from a different era and a wide range of cultural backgrounds. The murder mystery genre is one many actors will encounter in their professional careers, making this an essential and practical part of their training," says Liebetrau.

The design students are tasked with recreating the elegance of a 1930s European luxury train, requiring a detailed attention to craftsmanship for woodwork, props and costumes. They've also created immersive sound, projections and special effects to draw the audience into the story.

"Every element must work together to fully capture the environment, mood and storytelling of this classic mystery," says Liebetrau.

For his part, Nelson is throwing the door wide open, leaving no mystery as to why audience members should secure a ticket to Murder on the Orient Express. "It will take you away from today's complicated world," says Nelson. "It's a break from reality, a trip to another time and place."

Murder on the Orient Express

Thursday, April 16 at 8 p.m.
Friday, April 17 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 18 at 2 p.m.
Saturday, April 18 at 8 p.m.
Sunday, April 19 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available online at wilkes.edu/theatre. Cost is $15 for general admission, $10 for non-Wilkes students/senior citizens and free for Wilkes students, faculty and staff. The box office will open one hour before curtain for purchases in person.