Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto

Thespians

MOUSETRAP!

Eight people isolated by a snowstorm in a manor house in the country. One of them gets murdered.

When: Monday March 14, 2005 at 7:00
Where: ROOM 4 -5
What: THE MOUSETRAP by AGATHA CHRISTIE
Who: UUCPA Thespians
Why: To read the epitome of Classic Murder Mysteries

Mollie and Giles Ralston are the new owners of Monkswell Manor Guest House; four guests are expected for the weekend and they all arrive in Act I, despite a heavy snowstorm. An unexpected fifth guest arrives, claiming that his car broke down in the worsening storm.

The radio announces that a Mrs. Lyons has been murdered in London, and that her recent murderer has been spotted in the vicinity. Sergeant Trotter arrives on skis, having been sent for their protection.

As we are beginning to get acquainted with the eight characters, it is discovered that the storm has completely blocked all roads in the area, that the phone wires have been cut, and that Trotter's skis are missing. The isolation is complete.

On the surface the hosts, the five guests, and the Sergeant are all strangers to each other. BUT . . .

Sergeant Trotter tells the others that twenty years ago three Corrigan children were placed in foster care. They were badly mistreated and abused, and the oldest one died. The other two, boy-and-girl twins, dropped out of sight. Trotter identifies Mrs. Lyons as the foster mother in the case, and reveals that a note found on her murdered body suggests that the Corrigan twins are out to avenge their brother and that more murders may be expected. In various conversations we find links between the Monkswell residents and the Corrigan case.

Christie is a master at playing perfectly fair with her readers, but subtly encouraging them to suspect first one and then another of the characters. Even if you already know the denouement, you can admire her skill at misdirection. If you don't know how it ends, you can have the added excitement of wondering if YOU are the murderer - or are destined to be a victim. But to do this, of course, you must show up in Room
4-5 at 7 pm on Monday March 14.

Send me an email: thespians-info@uucpa.org
or call me if you'd like more information.
Let me know you're coming - or just show up.

UUCPA Thespians
Philip Hodge, Chair

p. s. Note that this month, and again in April we will meet in Room 4-5. We return to the Fireside room in May.