Stage 43 will open its season on Thursday, Oct. 12, with a beloved whodunit mystery showcasing local talent.
The Coquitlam-based theatrical company that has served the Tri-Cities for more than 40 years is bringing the beloved comedy–mystery classic Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express to life.
The show features actors from the Tri-Cities:
- Kate du Crôs (Port Moody)
- Ryan Johnson (Port Coquitlam)
- Katrina Lashmar (Port Coquitlam)
- Joyce Gillespie (Port Coquitlam)
Directed by Miles Lavkulich, the play will run at Coquitlam’s Evergreen Cultural Centre from Oct. 12 to Oct. 21.
The story follows a murder aboard the famous Orient Express — a train full of remarkable and memorable suspects, each one with an alibi — and a mystery for the legendary detective Hercule Poirot to solve.
Det. Poirot is played by Pitt Meadows-based actor Grant Vlahovic, who stated in a news release, “I’m so looking forward and grateful to the team at Stage 43 for this opportunity to bring the iconic character of Hercule Poirot to life on the stage.”
Claire Pinkett, producer and president of the theatrical society, said the ride on this particular Orient Express is well worth it, even if people already know the story and who did it.
“Our Poirot is is spectacular and it's really a lovely cast of characters. I think the audience will really have fun,” she added.
Lashmar will be taking the centre stage as Mary Debenham in her debut role — not only with Stage 43, but also in theatre.
For Lashmar, the opportunity to be able to learn more about something in a welcoming environment was an exciting one, she said.
“I find it interesting and fulfilling to put myself in someone else's shoes,” she added. “And it's kind of like an exercise in empathy as well… to try to understand someone so fully that you can portray that the choices that they make.”
The play is the first among three of the season’s plays — School for Scandal will run in the winter of 2024 and the Elephant Man is in the spring of 2024.
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Tickets are available now and can be purchased online, by phone (604-927-6555) or in person at the box office. Prices are $28 for adults and $24 for seniors and students. The play is suitable for ages 18 and up without parental guidance.
