Theater@First’s production of the classic whodunit, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, is set to confound and confusticate audiences during its all too brief run at Unity Somerville.

By Laura Stiffler

On a dreadfully snowy evening, much like the ones we have experienced in Somerville lately, newlyweds Mollie and Giles Ralston welcome a group of strangers into their guesthouse. Instead of a routine night for the cast of characters, the radio warns of a murderer on the loose in the snowed-in town. As the story unfolds and characters are met and dissected, there’s reason to suspect everyone in Theater@First’s beautifully adapted version of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap.

This classic “whodunit” opens Theater@ First’s eleventh season at Unity Somerville (6 William St.) from February 27 to March 7.

With a stellar cast of Theater@First newcomers and veterans, first-time director Mike Haddad keeps the audience guessing who the murderer is until the very last moment.

“The Mousetrap is a personal favorite of mine,” says Haddad. “It’s the Fight Club of plays. I also chose it because I thought it was a perfect piece for the space at Unity Church and the time of year.” Heddad is right on point.

Set in the parlor of Monkswell Manor, the scene remains the same throughout the two acts. Simple and aged, the Victorian couches and tables accompanied by a constantly roaring fireplace pull the audience away from the minimalist Unity Somerville theater and into a whole ‘nother world.

The quality of the play and set are not the only great things about this production. Perhaps most importantly, are the characters and cast who keep the audience fully engaged from start to finish.

“One of the reasons I love this show is that all of the characters have wonderfully crafted arcs. It is morbidly interesting to see how these individuals react as the weight of their confinement presses upon them and secrets start coming to light,” Haddad says about the cast of incredibly exotic, diverse and strange characters.

It’s obvious to even the untrained eye, the cast of Theater@First are a group of hard-working and passionate actors. Devoted to their roles, the cast “talked a lot about our characters and their motivations and you can really see the thought and consideration put into each character,” says Sarah Brinks who plays Mollie Ralston. The motto of Theater@First is “more theater, less drama” and it certainly rings true with their version of Agatha Christie’s classic.

A show not to be missed, The Mousetrap has red herrings, changing theories, suspicious characters and high levels of suspense, as you might suspect and desire. However, there is also a welcome element of humor and characters to entertain, feel affection for and most definitely mistrust.

Sarah Brinks is a true force as Mollie Ralston, Renee Johnson convincingly unpleasant as Mrs. Boyle, Andrew Lebrun a great detective, who shows necessary resourcefulness and power from the moment of his arrival and Emma Joyce, a wonderful oddball capturing the sincere discomfort of Christopher Wren.

The full cast of eight will keep audiences guessing and while you may figure out one or two of the surprises, you won’t get them all!

Shows start at 8 p.m. with a matinee show at 4 p.m. on March 7. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors. For tickets and more information about The Mousetrap and Theater@First, visit www.theateratfirst.org.