From the playwright who brought us Baskerville, Ken Ludwig, comes another murderously fun ride! One of Agatha Christie’s greatest novels springs to life in this thrilling new stage adaptation. Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. By morning, a wealthy American philanthropist lies dead in his compartment, stabbed eight times and with his door locked from the inside. Was it the Colonel, the Countess, the American traveler or the Russian Princess? Or perhaps it was the English governess, the American assistant, the French conductor or the Swedish missionary. The eccentric collection of passengers become suspects, and the world famous detective Hercule Poirot must identify the murderer before he or she decides to strike again!

Seeking the Following Roles:

Hercule Poirot (Belgian, 40’s - 60’s) World famous detective, meticulous, witty, oddly charismatic in his own way, slightly pompous, passionately driven to find the answers, strong moral compass, very aware of his ability and his well-deserved reputation.

Monsieur Bouc (Belgian, 30’s - 50’s) Director of Wagon-Lit, the train company that owns the Orient Express, a good humored man, playful, generous, proud, an excellent host with a love of luxury and grandeur. Exceedingly charming, and lives for his job.

Mary Debenham (British, 20’s - 40’s) A governess, capable yet romantic, anxious about her journey on the Orient Express, there is a sadness around her eyes, and she clearly has a secret and an unknown relationship to Colonel Arbuthnot.

Hector MacQueen (American, 20’s - 50’s) Secretary and assistant to Samuel Ratchett, tightly wound, edgy and nervous, always seems to be on the verge of falling apart. A person you would least suspect of committing a crime.

Michel the Conductor (French, 30’s - 50’s) Polite, hard-working, happy to have a good position on the Orient Express, eager to please. His hospitality is impeccable and is very attentive to the train’s passengers.

Princess Dragomiroff (Russian, 50’s - 70’s) Royalty, a sweeping, impressive presence, intimidating, impatient, everyone knows when she enters the room.

Greta Ohlsson (Swedish, 30’s - 40’s) Missionary, inherently odd, very strict and religiously devout, plain with a sheepish, almost frightened quality, Princess Dragomiroff is paying her way in exchange for helping her on her journey. She is easily upset and anxious. She seems like a person who couldn’t hurt a fly.

Countess Andrenyi (Hungarian, 20’s - 40’s) Beautifully and exquisitely dressed, like something out of a fairy tale, with a warmth that wins over everyone she meets. She is fiercely intelligent and is not afraid of getting her pristine hands dirty. However, this rose has thorns and shouldn’t be tampered with.

Helen Hubbard (American, 40’s - 70’s) Eccentric, bold and outspoken with a touch of flamboyance, from the American midwest, jovial, deliciously nosy and brash, often flirtatious. She can talk to anyone, even if they don’t want to listen. A mother with a song in her heart and a pep in her step.

Colonel Arbuthnot (Scottish, 20’s - 40’s) Handsome, very matter of fact, clearly has a secret and an unknown connection to Mary Debenham, he enjoys the sense of adventure that the Orient Express provides, takes charge when he needs to. Can be scary when pushed to his limits. He is quite protective over the people he loves.

Samuel Ratchett (American, 40’s - 60’s) American businessman with a gangster’s edge, evil at heart and frightening, unforgiving, stern demeanor, pushy, domineering. Has the energy of a wild animal in a cage.

Head Waiter (Turkish, 20’s - 50’s) Snooty and smooth, a (phony) name dropper