Thanks for joining us for our production of Murder on the Orient Express!
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
Adapted by Ken Ludwig
Directed by Miles Lavkulich
Produced by Claire Pinkett
Synopsis
The exotic Orient Express is about to go off the rails. With a train full of remarkable suspects and an alibi for each one, it’s the perfect mystery for detective Hercule Poirot. So wax your mustache and hold onto your passport for what has now become the most highly produced comedy-mystery in the world.
Message from the President:
Stage 43 survived two years of arts venues closures and public health restrictions during the pandemic to return to the theatre in 2022 for our 40th Anniversary Season. And what a season: Footloose the Musical, Calendar Girls, and God of Carnage. We saw record numbers come out to see live theatre performances again. This was so exciting.
But now, rising costs due to inflation and supply chain issues means people have less disposable income and have to choose wisely how to spend money. That’s why we want to say a huge thank you to you, our audience, for deciding to spend your time and money with us. We promise to work hard to entertain you this season with three great shows: Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express humorously adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig: the clever and witty modern School for Scandal; and the show that never made the stage in 2020 due to the pandemic shutdowns, The Elephant Man.
We are a small, not-for-profit, community theatre group who pride ourselves on being friendly, welcoming, and inclusive. If you are looking for a new hobby, why not check us out? Our AGM, which will be held virtually via Zoom, is coming up on Tuesday, October 24. Everyone is welcome. Details on the meeting and how to get the Zoom link will be posted soon on our website. Areas in which we could use extra assistance are: carpentry and construction, marketing and promotion, book keeping and finance, and backstage crew. Sound like something you’d like to do? Talk to one of our volunteers in the lobby to find out how to get involved.
Ok, my pitch for additional volunteer help is over. Now, sit back, relax, and get ready to laugh at the most highly produced comedy-mystery in the world. Enjoy!
Message from the Director:
I remember being young and receiving a book as a gift: The Secret of the Old Mill, a Hardy Boys story, and I was immediately taken with mysteries and started reading all I could, including Agatha Christie. I loved the characters, trying to follow along with the clues and the detective to see what they see, or don’t. I’ve moved on from Christie and Doyle to local authors such as Sam Wiebe and A.J. Devlin who base their detectives here in the Lower Mainland, but at least once a year I find myself back reading my big collection of Christie, and Murder on the Orient Express is one of my favourites. What Ken Ludwig has done with this script is amazing, being able to take a travelling story and keep what makes it a great story at heart, while not letting it get bogged down in long set changes. The cast and crew for this show are what everyone who works with Stage 43 has come to expect, fearless and creative. So let them know after the show. But be warned about other comments, because we all love mysteries, and so we know how to deal with bodies…
Enjoy
OUR CAST:
PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGERS:
PRODUCTION DESIGNERS:
Acknowledgements:
Stage 43 would like to express sincere thanks to the following:
The staff and volunteers of the Evergreen Cultural Centre for their support of community theatre and always making it a fun place to play.
Krista Pavane and the technical operations staff of the Evergreen Cultural Centre for their technical expertise and mentorship.
Jessica Fowlis and the marketing staff of the Evergreen Cultural Centre for their assistance in promotion.
Vagabond Players at Bernie Legge Theatre for the use of chairs.
Heritage Woods Secondary School for the use of tables.
The management team at Aspira Astoria Retirement Living for the use of rollaway beds.
David Berrouard for transportation and signage assistance.
And, of course, YOU - our patrons - for your kind support of community theatre!
Production Team:
Producer – Claire Pinkett
Director – Miles Lavkulich
Stage Manager – Shannon Dumas
Assistant Stage Manager – Sue Davey
Projection Designer & Operator – Darryl Strohan
Lighting Designer – Darryl Strohan
Lighting Operator – Kelvin Bear
Sound Designer & Operator – Colleen Bignell
Costumers – Joy-Ann Lee & Jennifer Strazhnik
Properties – Sue Davey & team
Backstage Crew – Pat Prigge, Susanne Hale, Sue Davey & Mandeep Singh Dhalla
Set Designer – Miles Lavkulich
Set Decoration – Sue Davey & team
Poster Design – Katrina Lashmar
Virtual Program Design – Sharon Notarrigo
Social Media & Publicity – Claire Pinkett & Sharon Notarrigo
Front-of-House Coordinator – Claire Pinkett & Sharon Notarrigo