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The Berea College Theatre Laboratory concludes the 2004-2005 season
with Agatha Christie’s classic murder mystery, The Mousetrap. The
production opens April 29 in the McGaw Theatre and continues trough May
7. Tickets can be reserved by calling the Box Office at 985-3300.
The Mousetrap is among Christie’s best-loved mysteries, having
the recognition of being the most produced play in Western theatre
history; running continuously in London’s West End since its
opening in 1952. The production, directed by senior theatre major Jason
Bergstrom, is suitable for all audiences.
New audiences services for the hearing-impaired and those needing
physical assistance will also be available for this production.
There is so much trivia surrounding this long-lived production. The
Mousetrap opened on November 25, 1952 starring Richard Attenborough
and has been enjoyed by more than ten million visitors in over 21,000
performances, and has featured more than 340 performers. David Raven
achieved 'the most durable actor' award in the Guiness Book of Records
for a record 4,575 performances as the character Major Metcalf. The
current cast is performing on the second set created for the production;
the first was auctioned off to raise money for charity over 35 years
ago.
Director and senior theatre major Jason Bergstrom states, “Agatha
Christie's The Mousetrap appeals to me, apart from my personal enjoyment
of mysteries, because it is a well-woven, neatly crafted classic mystery
of murder and suspicion that has been the prototype for the typical
suspense situation: being trapped with a murderer, with no
escape.”
The production is the product of the Senior Theatre Project, the capstone
course for all theatre majors at Berea College. The seniors are selected
to direct, design, research, manage and produce a production that is
presented as part of the Theatre’s main season. They spend the
fall semester reading and discussing a single broad topic; this year’s
topic was, “What Makes a Hit?” They also conduct research
and write an extensive paper that is presented and defended to the
faculty and staff. In addition, the students make presentations to
the class and faculty on their interpretations of the play as it pertains
to their individual production assignments. During the spring semester,
the students cast, rehearse, design, manage and produce the production.
“The Senior Theatre Project is a unique element of our program,” says
Deborah Martin, professor of the course and faculty advisor for the
production. “The opportunity to direct, design, manage and research
on the mainstage is a rare one in many undergraduate programs. We are
confident that this experience makes our students very competitive
in the profession when applying for work and graduate programs.”
There are eight seniors in this year’s class. The production
team for The Mousetrap is: Jason Bergstrom (director); Stephen Drabicki
(scenic designer); Sarah Plummer (lighting designer); Laura E. Jordan
(costume designer); Justin Dearing (sound designer); Janelle Renee
Hunnicutt (dramaturge); Katie Davis (Stage Manager); and Tessa Ritter,
as Audience Services Director, a new position that will likely become
a permanent member of the production team for future performances.
For this production, the Theatre Laboratory offers a sign-interpreted
performance (May 6) and listening devices for the hearing impaired,
enlarged programs for the sight impaired, and special parking and
seating privileges for those needing physical assistance. We ask
that anyone needing these services make their request when ordering
tickets for the production. “We hope to remove as many barriers
as possible so that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy live theatre,” says
Martin. “We are delighted to have the means to provide these
services to our community.”
Performances for The Mousetrap are April 29, 30 and May 4-7 at 8 p.m.
in the McGaw Theatre. Tickets range in price from $5 to $10 and can
be reserved by calling the Theatre Box Office at (859) 985-3300 Monday
through Friday 1 – 5 p.m. Group tickets are also available. Berea
College students are admitted free of charge, but must have a ticket.
Students must reserve their tickets in person.
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