Clear Space to present "The Mousetrap"
Clear Space Theatre Company will present Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” starting Feb. 8 and running through Feb. 24. Directed by Aleta Thompson, a former English and drama teacher at Cape Henlopen High School, the cast features acting company members David Button, Cheryl Graves, Val Jarrell, John Marino and Dick Pack as well as more recent additions to the Clear Space family James Davis, Alison Krauss, and Joe DiRocco. Thompson is assisted by Actors’ Equity Association member Elaine Faye, who is also a member of the Clear Space acting company.
The plot of the mystery involves a group of strangers who are snowed in at a stately manor in the English countryside in 1952. A murderer on the loose has already claimed one life, and has now infiltrated the house in search of his (or her) next victim. The story by Dame Agatha Christie draws out the drama and keeps the audience enthralled with plot twists and a surprise ending.
“An intriguing aspect of the show is that every character involved has secrets - secrets that each is keeping from others, and in some cases even from themselves,” said Thompson. “In true Agatha Christie fashion, she uses these as red herrings that leave both characters and audience members a bit off balance. We don't know what is true; we don't know whom to believe. Both characters and audience members start to question themselves and others. Though the play is 60 years old, the emotions that Christie churns up are here and now. We have a very creative cast and crew - each brings experience and honesty to the rehearsal process, and the creative energy is palatable. I'm having so much fun channeling it!”
Veteran actor John Marino said, “Having nearly overdosed on PBS’ Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple reruns, I find it such great fun to be part of this Agatha Christie mystery.”
Company manager David Button said, “The rehearsal process for is cruising right along, and Aleta Thompson and Elaine Faye are a great directing team. They are concise, which makes an actor’s job so much easier. The relationship between the actors and the director is wonderfully collaborative, and I feel that my character is fully realized and everything I want it to be while also being enhanced by the direction - a perfect marriage!”
The show will run on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m., Feb. 8 to 24. A weekday matinee will be presented at 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 21.
Reservations are available through the box office, 302-227-2270 or online at www.ClearSpaceTheatre.org under Purchase Tickets. Group rates are available.
