Murder On The Orient Express – Audition Notice
We invite you to step aboard the legendary Orient Express and plunge into a world of mystery and suspense as Springfield Little Theatre proudly announces auditions for MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS as part of its 90th EMERALD ANNIVERSARY SEASON.
Directed by Jamie Bower, this thrilling adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic whodunit invites talented performers to audition and bring to life an unforgettable cast of characters. Join us on this exhilarating journey where every turn of the plot thickens, and every character has a secret.
Auditions for Springfield Little Theatre’s mainstage production of MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS will be held August 19 and 20 at 7:00 PM at The Judith Enyeart Reynolds School of the Performing Arts for Springfield Little Theatre (The Judy), 237 South Florence Avenue, Springfield, MO.
All Roles Available, including:
- 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.
- 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, 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.
- Michel the Conductor (French, 30’s – 50’s): Polite, hard-working, happy to have a good position on the Orient Express, eager to please.
- Princess Dragomiroff (Russian, 40’s – 70’s):Royalty, a sweeping, impressive presence, intimidating, impatient, everyone knows when she enters the room.
- Greta Ohlsson (Swedish, 20’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.
- 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. Intelligent, her delicacy belies a steely edge; she is no wilting flower.
- 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.
- 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.
- Samuel Ratchett (American, 40’s – 60’s): American businessman with a gangster’s edge, evil at heart and frightening, unforgiving, stern demeanor, pushy, domineering.
- Head Waiter (Turkish, 20’s – 50’s): Snooty and smooth, a (phony) name dropper.
Most rehearsals for SLT’s production of MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS will be held Sunday-Thursday evenings between the hours of 7:00-10:00 PM. The first cast meeting will be held Sunday, August 25 at 6:00 PM
Performance dates—The Landers Theatre, 311 East Walnut:
Thursday, October 17, 7:30 PM (Underwriter’s Preview); Friday, October 18, 7:30 PM; Saturday, October 19, 7:30 PM; Sunday, October 20, 2:00 PM; Thursday, October 24, 7:30 PM; Friday, October 25, 7:30 PM; Saturday, October 26, 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM; and Sunday, October 27, 2:00 PM
Promotional appearances and special events TBA. Cast members are expected to be available for ALL tech rehearsals and performances. No exceptions.
Please direct questions to Beth at 417-869-3869 or [email protected].
Break a leg! We can’t wait to see you at auditions!
The SLT Education Department is pleased to offer an audition preparatory workshop for MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS at The Judy, 237 South Florence Avenue on Monday, August 12 from 7:00 – 9:00 PM.
Tuition: $30 (A limited number of scholarships are available if finances are a barrier to participation. Please call 417-413-2287 to register.)
