Posted on Friday, September 17, 2021
"There is nothing like a good Agatha Christie murder mystery," said Kim Barber Knoll, director of Theatre Arts, "and this is one of her best.
“She seamlessly weaves together fully-developed, intriguing characters and twisting plots,” she said. “In ‘The Mousetrap,’ everyone has a secret, and Christie keeps us on the edge of our seats with clues and revelations that lead to the surprising, often shocking conclusion."
Amateur sleuths will be able to put their skills to the test when LaGrange College Theatre presents Christie’s “The Mousetrap” at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Price Theater.
While most of the cast knew some Agatha Christie thrillers, they were unfamiliar with this particular play, which is the longest-running play in history, Knoll said.
“There is a reason ‘The Mousetrap’ has enjoyed such a tremendous run (and is still running in London's West End). The play has it all: interesting, quirky characters, a fast-moving plot and most importantly, the pressing question that drives the action...whodunit?”
Senior Colby Bell plays Detective Sergeant Trotter, who has come to solve the mystery.
“All the characters are suspects. They all have secrets. They all have something to hide,” he said. “Sergeant Trotter follows the clues to the well-preserved Monkswell Manor and tries to catch the killer.”
Knoll and the cast also spoke to the style of the play.
“Set in England in the 1950s, these British characters have a certain style, an elegance,” she said. “They keep a stiff upper lip as best they can in extraordinary circumstances.”
Tim Fitz-Gerald, Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre, will be making his debut on the Price Theater stage as Major Metcalf. He said it’s been a joy to work with his students.
“It is important that we practice what we teach,” he said, “The students don’t see me as their professor. We are all a part of this company of actors.”
Senior Music major Lauren Hicks plays Miss Casewell, whom she describes as a very mysterious and somewhat masculine woman.
“She’s quiet and thoughtful but she also has a lot bottled up inside,” Lauren said. “I’ve never played a character with that kind of depth.”
Dee Hare plays a flamboyant outsider, Mr. Paravicini.
“I love watching how the characters interact with each other,” he said. “Mr. Paravicini is very mischievous. He enjoys making others squirm!”
Knoll believes “The Mousetrap” is the perfect show to welcome people back to the theater.
“It draws you in from the get-go and keeps you guessing and trying to catch the killer along with Sergeant Trotter.”
Knoll said she and the cast and crew are excited to finally be able to return to the Price stage.
“We haven’t had a performance on the Price Theater stage since early spring of 2020. Last year, we had to perform outdoors to a very limited audience because of COVID,” she said. “It is very meaningful to bring live theatre back to Price.”
However, there are some COVID-related regulations.
“All audience members must show proof of vaccination and remain masked at all times in Price Theater,” Knoll said. “We are following Broadway and Actors Equity standards to keep actors and patrons safe. Performers are vaccinated and tested regularly so they can perform unmasked.”
Tickets must be reserved online at priceboxoffice@lagrange.edu. Please include the performance date and how many people there are in the party. Tickets are $10 for adults and free for LC faculty, student or staff member.
LaGrange College continues its run as an outstanding college in annual rankings released this week by U.S. News & World Report. The institution was rated in the top 10 among 93 Regional Colleges in the South, the only Georgia college in the category’s top 20. It also was included among the group's “Best Value.” Read more here.
Dr. John Head has been named Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Experience. In this role Dr. Head will provide leadership for enrollment and the student engagement offices as he focuses efforts on both recruitment and retention. Read more here.
Celtic Prayers and Holy Communion will be led by the Rev. Dr. Adam Roberts, Chaplain, at 12:30 p.m. today at the Chapel. It will feature a brief liturgy of scripture and prayer to end the week.
The Counseling Center will be offering sessions on anxiety and stress relief either in person or virtually through Microsoft Teams. To make an appointment, please contact email lccounseling@lagrange.edu
The documentary, "A President in our Midst," will be broadcast on PBS at 7 p.m. Tuesday. It is based on the book by Kaye Minchew, former member of the LC Leadership Council and retired director of the Troup County Archives. There are several LC connections, including performers Carol Cain '82 and Jim Fowler '83 M'87. The score was composed by former LC music professor Lee Johnson and Kelton Hunt '19 provided the voiceover. The film recently won the Best Feature Documentary and People's Choice Awards at the Southern Film Festival in LaGrange.
Check LC Connect for Virtual CE events and instructions. For in-person events, all COVID guidelines apply.
THROUGH OCT. 1
LC Young Alumni Virtual Interview – Lauren Gann ’12
TUESDAY
Bystander Intervention – 11:15 a.m., Corm Auditorium in Lewis Library
THURSDAY
May Away Course to Peru: A Journey of Wellness and Self-Care in the Age of Transpersonal Exploration, 11:15 a.m., Callaway Science Building Room 104
Men’s Soccer
The Panthers (3-0) stayed unbeaten with a 3-1 win at Piedmont last Sunday. Blake Webb had a goal and an assist, while Enrique Hernandez and Asher Hendon each had a goal.
Football
LC (0-2) lost 34-21 to visiting Berry last Saturday in Callaway Stadium. Freshman quarterback Tyler Coleman threw for 166 yards and touchdown passes of 40 and 65 yards in the fourth quarter. Coleman was selected as the USA South Offensive Rookie of the Week.
Cross Country
Freshman Joseph Grubbs was sixth out of 46 runners with a time of 17:14.5 in the 5K race at the Huntingdon Season Opener last Saturday. Holly Moreland paced the women, finishing 21st.
Volleyball
The Panthers (0-6) went 0-3 at the Stormy Petrel Classic last Friday and Saturday. LC took unbeaten Averett to five sets in its final match of the tournament. Jharia Harris and Karson Troth set career highs in the match. Harris had a double-double of a career-high 13 kills to go with 15 digs. Troth had a career-high 12 kills.
Golf
The Panthers were 12th at the Rhodes Fall Invitational in their first tournament under new head coach Shannon Lipham. Senior Thomas Bird tied for 19th in the individual standings.
Friday (today)
Volleyball vs. Huntingdon, Richter Gymnasium, 4 p.m.
Saturday
Football at Southern Virginia, Buena Vista, Va., 1 p.m.
Men’s Soccer vs. Averett, Panther Field, 2 p.m.
Sunday
Women’s Soccer vs. Millsaps, Panther Field, noon
Men’s Soccer at Maryville, Maryville, Tenn., 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday
Women’s Soccer vs. Allen, Panther Field, 4 p.m.
Thursday
Volleyball at Wesleyan, 7 p.m.
Theatre Arts major Erika Hill explains the importance of “masking for a friend.”
LaGrange College names John Head as new vice president – LaGrange Daily News, Sept. 15, 2021
https://www.lagrangenews.com/2021/09/15/lagrange-college-names-john-head-as-new-vice-president/
LaGrange College ranks top 10 in U.S. News & World Report – LaGrange Daily News, Sept. 14, 2021
https://www.lagrangenews.com/2021/09/14/lagrange-college-ranks-top-10-in-u-s-news-world-report/
Richmond Hill’s Tyler Coleman earns USA South Offensive Rookie of the Year – WJCL-TV (Savannah), Sept. 14, 2021
Category: Arts and Culture, Students, College, Events, Community
Keywords: Agatha Christie play Price
