Judson theater department puts on Agatha Christie's 'The Mousetrap'

Judson University Theatre Department opens its fall season with murder mystery writer Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap." The production, which has the distinction of being the longest-running show of any kind in history, will come to life on Judson's theatrical stage for two weekends in a row: Friday-Saturday, Oct. 23-24, and Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 29-31. Each show will begin at 7 p.m. in the Marjorie Thulin Performance Hall in the Thompson Fine Arts Center, 1151 N. State St., Elgin.

This most famous whodunit started as a short radio play broadcast in 1947 and opened on stage in London in 1952. The play has been ongoing ever since and marked its 25,000th performance in November 2012.

"The Mousetrap" plot centers around an eclectic group gathered in a guesthouse for a weekend, right as a terrible winter storm ensues. Before long, it's clear that something and someone has gone awry and killed one, maybe even more people! But who could it be?

This will be Judson Theatre Director Kimberly Schmidt's second time producing this popular play.

As with any murder mystery someone dies, there are various suspects and intrigue abounds. But "The Mousestrap" has other elements working to its advantage, too, that make it a unique draw, especially for the Judson audience.

"We want to give our students the chance to create interesting characters who will push them out of their comfort zones," Schmidt said. "'The Mousetrap' gives us the opportunity to build a beautiful set and to give the audience a traditional theater experience."

The show will be produced and directed by Schmidt. Also expect the nine-member cast to keep you thinking and on the edge of your seat, as you try to gather clues and figure out exactly who the murderer could possibly be.

Tickets are $10, $5 for students and $8 for seniors and groups of 10 or more, and can be ordered by calling (847) 628-2625.