AUDITION ANNOUNCEMENT – Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express

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The Milburn Stone Theatre at Cecil College is excited to announce auditions for Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express

Director: Sean Digiorgio

MST Artistic Director: Andrew John Mitchell

 

Physical location for rehearsals and performances:

The Milburn Stone Theatre, Cecil College, One Seahawk Drive, North East MD 21901 | Box Office Phone Number: (410) 287-1037

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Audition Information:

Auditions will take place on Monday, July 28th and Tuesday, July 29th between 7 - 9:45 pm at the Milburn Stone Theatre. Please sign-up for your audition slot directly through the Milburn Stone Theatre’s Cast98 Studio page at:  https://us.cast98.com/studios/milburnstone

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Those submitting a video to audition have until Monday, July 28th at 11:59pm and can do so via Cast98 - but in person auditions for this production is STRONGLY encouraged.

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 Callbacks:

Callbacks for Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express will be held on Wednesday, July 30th from 6-10pm, Callback notifications will be sent out by Wednesday, July 30th  by 10am. 

 

Audition Preparation:

Please prepare a brief 2-3 minute monologue (memorization preferred) in the style of the show. The director might ask you to read other items in the audition room.

 

Rehearsals:

Rehearsal for Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express will begin in early August. Rehearsals will be based on both performer and production staff availability, so please submit all known conflicts at the time of auditions. The Milburn Stone Theatre traditionally rehearses between 2 to 4 times a week. 

Please note: Cecil College will be closed Friday, August 29th at 5pm through Tuesday, September 2nd at 7pm in observation of Labor Day.

 

Tech Week:

Tech week for Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express will be held Sunday, October 5th  through Thursday, October 9th, no conflicts will be accepted for these tech dates.

 

Performances:

Performances for Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express  will begin on Friday, October 10th with performances on October 11th, 12th, 17th, 18th & 19th. There will be six performances in total with Friday evening performances take place at 7:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday matinees take place at 2 pm.

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Please note: The Milburn Stone Theatre is a community Theatre on a college campus, our productions are open to the entire community, not just Cecil College Students, Faculty and Staff. This production is non-paid/non-union

 

Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express Casting Breakdown:

 

All roles are available, ages listed are ranges and not exact.  In addition, The Milburn Stone Theatre is committed to Cecil College’s principles of diversity, equity, and inclusivity, and encourages performers of all ethnicities, races, backgrounds, genders, and ages to audition but they will be performed as originally written. 

 

Detective Hercule Poirot

Male | Age 40-65 | Belgian

 

Iconic character. Agatha Christie’s most famous detective. Poirot is fastidious, thorough, a touch ridiculous, and incredibly observant and intelligent. He is both arrogant and humble to fault. He is an observer of people, astute at analyzing why people behave as they do, and firmly believes that most crimes can be solved primarily by observation, psychology, and thinking them through. He values intelligence and the rule of law above all else.

 

Monsieur Bouc

Male | Age 40-64 | Belgian

 

The owner of Wagon Lit, Orient Express. Bouc is a middle-aged man with a youthful vigor and attitude. Gregarious, honest and forthright, he puts his friends and customers above profit, although he is concerned about his company’s image. He is not a match for Poirot in intelligence, however.

 

Mary Debenham

Female | Age mid 20s-30s | English 

 

A governess. Anxious, but also cool and determined, Mary has a certain sadness about her, as well as many secrets. She is carrying on a secret affair with Colonel Arburthnot. 

 

Colonel Arbuthnot (doubles as Samuel Ratchett)

Male | Age 30s | Scottish 

 

A military man of the old fashioned type, possibly old-money, and used to being obeyed without question. He is strong, charismatic, but also problematic in some of his personal views. Has a temper.

 

Hector McQueen

Male | Age 23-35 | American

 

Personal assistant and secretary to Samuel Ratchett, McQueen is a nervous character with a stutter that appears when he is especially anxious. Seems rather new to his profession. Talks a bit too much.

 

Michel (doubles as Head Waiter)

Male | Age 40s | French (Michel) & Turkish (Head Waiter)

 

Competent and organized, Michel is the conductor for the first-class carriages of the Orient Express. Handles himself well in a crisis, and is very good at his job.

 

Note: This actor will double as the Head Waiter of the Tokatilian Hotel, and will also need to be able to do a Turkish accent.

 

Princess Dragomiroff

Female | Age 60s-70s | Russian

 

Displaced Russian nobility. The Princess is a battleship: determined, arrogant, and accustomed to getting her way. She travels a great deal, and holds very decided opinions.

 

Greta Ohlsson

Female | Age 30s | Swedish

 

A Catholic missionary and baby nurse, currently serving as a companion to Princess Dragomiroff. She would like to help small children in Africa. Deeply devout. This character may be funny, but should not be played as a caricature for laughs.

 

Countess Andrenyi

Female | Age 25-35 | Hungarian

 

In addition to being married to a count (and thus, nobility), she also is a doctor. Beautiful, educated, charming, and intelligent enough to match wits with Poirot.  

 

Helen Hubbard

Female | Age 45-60 | American

 

Not exactly what she seems, Hubbard comes across as a gregarious, loud, obnoxious American busybody who has been married multiple times. Must be able to sing and do a little dancing. Should also be able to pull off a cooler, more calculated version of this character with a very standard or even cultured American accent.

 

Samuel Rachett (doubles as Colonel Arbuthnot)

Male | Age 35-50 | American (mobster – possibly Brooklyn or Chicago-style)

 

A dangerous and unlikable man, full of entitlement, with a hair trigger temper. Must have a forceful personality, and come across as someone not to be trusted or crossed. This actor may be required to remain on stage and still for an extended period of time.

 

About Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express:

 

Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express

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Show Dates: October 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19

Show Times: Friday Evening Performances at 7:30pm, Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 2pm  

 

Adapted by Ken Ludwig

Based on the novel by Agatha Christie

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Mystery Thriller | Recommended for ages 10+

 

A lavish train, a shocking murder, and one legendary detective—experience the suspense of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express like never before. This dazzling adaptation by Ken Ludwig transforms Christie’s classic novel into a thrilling stage spectacle filled with eccentric characters, razor-sharp dialogue, and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

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Step aboard the luxurious Orient Express and prepare for a night of intrigue, deception, and classic Christie twists. When an American tycoon is found murdered in his cabin, the legendary detective Hercule Poirot must race against time to solve the mystery before the killer strikes again. But with a train full of suspects—each harboring secrets and motives—the case is anything but simple. As the Orient Express becomes trapped by a snowdrift and tensions rise, Poirot must use his keen intellect and masterful deduction to unravel the tangled web of lies before the murderer escapes justice.

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Murder on the Orient Express, adapted by Ken Ludwig, is a spellbinding journey through deception, secrets, and shocking revelations. Featuring a dazzling cast of suspects, a rich blend of humor and drama, and a fast-paced plot full of unexpected turns, this stylish and gripping adaptation will keep you guessing until the very last moment. With glamour, intrigue, and Christie’s signature twists, this production is a must-see for mystery lovers and theatre fans alike!

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Book your passage today for an unforgettable theatrical ride—because on this train, everyone is a suspect, and time is running out.

 

  

Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express is presented through special permission from Concord Theatricals.  ​

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We can't wait to see you at auditions!