by Christine Sarkes and Erika Sasseville (a mother/daughter review)

The Mousetrap at the Guthrie Theater, now through May 18, is a delightfully camp and beautifully produced staging of Agatha Christie’s classic whodunit. Audiences will be thrilled by the gorgeous, lush set upon arriving at the McGuire Proscenium Stage. Director Tracy Bridgden, Guthrie Theater’s Senior Artistic Producer, has wisely given her very talented actors free rein to play their quirky characters as broadly and with as much scene-chewing humor as possible. Theatergoers of all ages will enjoy this show, which features a twist ending that audiences are traditionally reminded not to reveal after leaving the theater.

The Mousetrap first began as a 30-minute radio play in 1947 to honor England’s Queen Mary on her 80th birthday. Following numerous revisions and adaptations, the show would become Agatha Christie’s seventh play in her collection, opening on October 6, 1952. The production has run continuously in London’s West End ever since, making it the longest-running play in the world (with a 14-month COVID pause).

Set during a heavy snowstorm, the play follows newlyweds Mollie (Monette Magrath) and Giles Ralston (Peter Christian Hansen) as they prepare to open Monkswell Manor for their first guests: the whining killjoy Mrs. Boyle (Mo Perry); the mysterious Miss Casewell (Emjoy Gavino) visiting from abroad; flamboyant bon vivant Christopher Wren (Greg Cuellar); the good-natured Major Metcalf (Pearce Bunting); and the roguish, unexpected guest Mr. Paravicini (Matthew Saldívar). As the roads become impassable, Detective Sergeant Trotter (Matthew Amendt) arrives on skis with news that connects the manor to a mysterious murder in London. When the phone lines are cut and a guest turns up dead, everyone becomes a suspect. As Trotter and guests begin to unravel the mystery, the suspense builds as we await the possible murder of victim number three in a plot tied to the children’s nursery rhyme, “Three Blind Mice.” Perry, Cuellar, and Saldívar are standouts in a well-acted production, infusing their eccentric characters with loads of humor. My only critique is that the second act denouement seems to drag a bit with the interrogations and murder re-creation before building to the final reveal.

The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie, directed by Tracy Brigden, playing now through May 15. Creative team includes Walt Spangler (Scenic Designer), Susan Tsu (Costume Designer), Rui Rita (Lighting Designer), John Gromada (Sound Designer/Composer), Lynde Rosario (Dramaturg), Keely Wolter (Vocal Coach), Aaron Preusse (Weapons Consultant), Jennifer Liestman (Resident Casting Director), Laura Topham (Stage Manager), Matthew Meeks (Assistant Stage Manager), and Lee Conrads (Assistant Director). Ticket prices range from $32 to $92, including handling fees. Single and group tickets (minimum requirement of 15 per group) may be purchased through the Box Office at 612.377.2224 (single), 1.877.447.8243 (toll-free), 612.225.6244 (group) or online at guthrietheater.org.