Welcome to Monkswell Manor! Join us for an exhilarating night, promising guests an unforgettable blend of comfortability, entertainment, and murder?! Step into the enigmatic world of St. Thomas Aquinas High School’s production of “The Mousetrap” and immerse yourself in this thrilling mystery of whodunnit!
Penned by the well-renowned Agatha Christie, “The Mousetrap” achieved a historic milestone by establishing itself as the world’s longest-running play, gracing the West End stage for over 28,000 performances. Amidst the widespread news of a London murder, seven strangers are trapped by a blizzard in a secluded countryside inn. Their tranquility shatters when a police sergeant arrives, unveiling a spine-tingling truth: a murderer lurks among them. In a riveting sequence, each enigmatic guest unearths their shadowy histories, all consumed by an urgent mission to unveil the identity of the mysterious culprit.
Guiding both the household and the stage with consummate skill were Maya Lopez-Ortiz and Cody Straka, embodying the lovable couple and proprietors of Monkswell Manor, Mollie and Giles. Their unmistakable chemistry, consistent accents, and expertly crafted characterizations lent an atmosphere of heightened suspense to the unfolding drama, leaving the audience perched on the edge of their seats. Stepping into the coat of Christopher Wren, an exuberant young man with an ardent affection for nursery rhymes, is Mateo Cruz. Cruz radiated unwavering liveliness, wonderfully complementing it with his impeccable comedic timing, adding a whole new dimension to his performance.
Skiing his way down the mountains in pursuit of the truth is Cole Christianson, skillfully inhabiting the role of Detective Sargeant Trotter. Christianson’s unwavering clarity of speech, meticulously honed mannerisms, and nuanced vocal inflections remained a constant presence throughout his performance. As a unit, most of the cast upheld their accents with remarkable consistency, though occasional lapses in diction resulted in the loss of certain words. Nevertheless, their collective efforts and chemistry harmoniously propelled the narrative forward, culminating in a compelling and engaging performance.
The technical facets of this production were declared guilty in their contribution to the production’s overall excellence. Most notably, the synergy between stage management and the sound team was evident in their precise timing of cues, seamlessly synchronizing with the actors’ movements, whether it was the activation of a radio or the opening of a window. The costume team, while grappling with occasional fit issues, impeccably captured the essence of both the time period and the distinctive personalities of each character, skillfully selecting costumes that beautifully embodied their individuality.
With impeccable characterization, meticulous attention to detail, and a flair for comedic timing, St. Thomas Aquinas High School’s production of “The Mousetrap” left audiences dying for another chance to watch.
