Timothy Neuhaus ’18

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Agatha Christie is known as one of the greatest mystery novelists and playwrights of the 20th century, penning many seminal murder mysteries, of which The Mousetrap is no exception. As eight eccentric strangers are trapped in a boarding house with the threat of a murderer looming over them, paranoia and fear quickly set in. The Southwell Players’ production of the play was a masterfully executed adaptation in November.

Maddie Farrell SAA ’19 played Mollie Ralston, the owner, along with her husband Giles, of Monkswell Manor. Mollie is the voice of reason within the play, calm and collected as accusations are thrown around. Ethan Lambright ’17 was Giles Ralston, the general caretaker of the manor. He is very protective of his wife and struggles with the presence of Christopher Wren. Mason Lehane ’17 was Christopher Wren, a peculiar and enigmatic architect who tries to remain helpful, but is looked down upon by the other residents. Rachel Powell SAA ’17 was Mrs. Boyle, a formal, but overly critical resident who does not get along with the other residents. Keaton Clause ’17  was Major Metcalf, a retired major from the army. An amiable resident, but little is known about him. Bridget Rasmussen SAA ’19 was Miss Casewell, a globetrotting resident of a troubled past. Sean Weissling ’17 was Mr. Paravicini, a mysterious stranger who arrives at the manor after his car is left stuck in the snow. Andrew Checchia ’19 was Detective Sergeant Trotter, who arrives at the manor to investigate.

Each character is more than he or she appears, and as the play progresses, secrets are revealed. The whole cast delivers great performances all around, each actor adept at switching between the serious and the humorous, from suspense to lightheartedness. Whether it be a moment of seriousness or a joke, the cast never fails to deliver. With the action consuming two days, the characters do not lack depth, and the play never fails to engage the audience. The Mousetrap is filled with plenty of humor and suspense. The characters’ interactions with each other and their experience within Monkswell Manor were not to be missed.