We employ and equity conscious approach to casting. People of all genders, races, ethnicities and abilities are encouraged to audition
Open Call: Tuesday, August 19 • Howard Brubeck Theatre • Select a 5 minute using our google form
Prepare a fully memorized, one-minute comic or dramatic monologue.
Callbacks: Wednesday, August 20 • 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM (prepare to stay the entire time if possible)
All aboard for a glamorous, edge-of-your-seat adventure
!In this stylish and suspenseful adaptation of Agatha Christie’s iconic mystery, a luxurious train ride through Europe is derailed by a snowstorm—and a shocking murder. Trapped in the mountains with a killer among them, the passengers turn to the legendary detective Hercule Poirot to crack the case before the murderer strikes again. Ken Ludwig’s Murder on the Orient Express is a clever, fast-paced whodunit filled with larger-than-life characters, unexpected twists, and moments of laugh-out-loud wit. Don’t miss this thrilling journey of deception, deduction, and danger.
Rehearsals: August 25- September 26 • M-F 6:30 – 10:30 PM (Some Saturday Afternoons may be added)
Tech Rehearsals: Saturday & Sunday, September 27 & 28 • 10 AM – 10:00 PM
Dress Rehearsals: September 29 – Oct. 2 • 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Performances:
Friday, Oct. 3 • 5:00 Call; 7:00 Start
Saturday, Oct. 4 • 5:00 Call; 7:00 Start
Sunday, Oct. 5 • Noon Call; 2:00 Start
Wednesday Oct. 8 • Pick-up rehearsal 6:30 PM
Thursday, Oct. 9 • 5:00 Call; 7:00 Start
Friday, Oct. 10 • 5:00 Call; 7:00 Start
Saturday, Oct. 11 • 5:00 Call; 7:00 Start
Sunday, Oct. 12 • Noon Call; 2:00 Start
CAST BREAKDOWN
*Note about dialects. We will provide dialect coaching during the rehearsal process, but experience and facility with dialects and accents will be helpful, but not required.
HERCULE POIROT (French/Belgian): Poirot is Christie’s most famous detective. A “Big” personality, authoritative, witty, charismatic and slightly pompous; driven to find the answers, good or bad, with a strong moral sense. Poirot is very intelligent, extremely aware of his ability and his well-deserved reputation. Meticulous and exacting, Poirot is a keen observer of detail and an astute judge of character. Character’s Gender: Male – (Age: 55-65)
MONSIEUR BOUC (French / Belgian): The director of the Compagnie Wagon Lits and formerly worked for the Belgian police force with Poirot. A man of good humor; playful, proud, generous; a predilection for grandeur; a whirlwind of energy; must be a good comedian. M. Bouc asks Poirot to take the case. M. Bouc provides comic relief in the novel, constantly frustrated with the case and confused by Poirot. Monsieur Bouc is an old friend of Poirot’s. He appears removed from the crime, often acting as Poirot’s sounding board, but no one on the train is above suspicion. Character’s Gender: Male – (Age: 30 – 40)
MARY DEBENHAM (British): A governess – Capable yet romantic; a calm, cool and unruffled lady. Mary bears a certain sadness in her eyes. When she first appears, she is very anxious. Perhaps she is harboring a terrible secret… Character’s Gender: Female – (Age: 25-35)
HECTOR MACQUEEN (American): Ratchett’s personal secretary. Tightly wound, edgy; he seems to always be on the verge of falling apart or coming unwound. A nervous young American of Irish decent in his thirties with a strained, rather beleaguered face, Hector appears to be suppressing something. Perhaps he knows more than he is willing to tell. Character’s Gender: Male – (Age: 30 – 40)
MICHEL – THE CONDUCTOR – (French): Michel is an experienced, reliable and efficient train conductor. He has a quiet, almost grave sense of humor. He’s seen a lot in his years on the Orient Express, and he knows his way around the train, making him particularly well positioned to get away with murder. Character’s Gender: Male – (Age: 35-40)
PRINCESS DRAGOMIROFF (Russian): An old Russian dowager; very formal, a sweeping, impressive presence; imperial, impatient. She tells Poirot many stories about the other passengers’ identities. Described as entering her compartment “like a galleon in full sail.” Expensively dressed and handsomely bejeweled, she certainly wouldn’t need to kill for money. But might she have another motive? Character’s Gender: Female – (Age: 60+)
GRETA OHLSSON (Swedish): Lady’s maid to Princess Dragomiroff. Plain and modest, but inherently odd. She is a very devout Swedish woman. Greta has a frightened, sheep-like quality about her. There is something odd about this woman. Could she be harboring a deadly secret? Character’s Gender: Female – (Age: 25-30)
COUNTESS ELÉNA ANDRENYI (Hungarian): The countess is quite young, dark-haired and appears like someone out of a fairy tale. Impeccably put together, with warmth that wins over everyone she meets; her delicacy belies a steely edge; she is no wilting flower. But she seems too good to be true. Before marrying the Count, she was a doctor. She provides forensic analysis for Poirot. Character’s Gender: Female – (Age: 25-30)
HELEN HUBBARD (American – Midwest/Minnesotan accent): An outspoken American in her fifties, well dressed with a touch of flamboyance. Must be a good comedian. Mrs. Hubbard is an outspoken and tough-talking broad with rough edge and a bold sense of humor from the Midwest – jovial, obnoxious, domineering, deliciously nosy and brash; unapologetic. She seems the least likely to commit murder, but is there something about her the others don’t know? (NOTE: This character does need to sing) – Character’s Gender: Female – (Age: 50s)
COLONEL ARBUTHNOT (Scottish): A British military officer, recently stationed in India. He is handsome, calm and hard-willed. He’s hopelessly in love with Mary. Would he kill for her? Character’s Gender: Male – (Age: 30-40)
SAMUEL RATCHETT (American): Hiding his true identity as Bruno Casetti – a kidnapper and murderer. Pretending to be an American businessman, he is brutish, brusque and unforgiving, with a hot temper, threatening demeanor and a whiplash of a voice. He’s made plenty of enemies… almost everyone has wished him dead. Character’s Gender: Male – (Age: 30 – 40)
HEAD WAITER (Turkish): Snooty, smooth; must have good comic timing. Professional in demeanor, he is knowledgeable and a bit overconfident. Mystery fans know it’s a cliché, but never rule out the possibility that The Butler Did It. Character’s Gender: Male – (Age: 25-30)
Voice Overs Roles –
Little Girl (Daisy Armstrong); The Nanny; Mother; The Man; Announcer Radio Voice