Theatre Review: Agatha Christie’s ‘The Mousetrap’ at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
Posted By: Dr. Mark Dreisonstok on August 11, 2026
The cast of “The Mousetrap.” Photo by Fred Watkins Photography.
Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is now presenting the world’s longest-running play. Legendary mystery writer Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” opened in London’s West End theatre district in 1952 and still runs there today. Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is taking on “The Mousetrap,” going outside the dinner theatre comfort zone of musicals by presenting a murder mystery.
To borrow a line from the “Ellery Queen” TV show: “match wits” with detective Sergeant Trotter (Ben Ribler) as he interrogates the unconventional guests staying at Monkswell Manor during a winter storm. In what emerges as a scenario à la the board game “Clue,” each character has had opportunity to commit two murders—one in London’s Paddington district and another at the manor itself.
…In addition to fine acting, the production is effectively directed by Andrew Foote…
The husband-and-wife proprietors of the bed-and-breakfast, Mollie and Giles Ralston, are performed winningly by Mia Gomez Montero and Kevin Cleary. John Hollinger performs admirably as the affable, retired Major Metcalf. Kathy Halenda effectively plays the uptight and elderly Mrs. Boyle. Sara Dabney Tisdale succeeds well portraying Miss Casewell who has a mysterious past, as does Brent Deekens as the even more enigmatic Paravicini. Finally, the young, unsettled man, Christopher Wren, is enacted with full energy and exuberance by Jacob Cole. In a fun bit of audience participation, audience members take part when they are asked during the intermission to write their guesses as to “whodunnit.”
In addition to fine acting, the production is effectively directed by Andrew Foote, with much of the special ambience of the period murder mystery found in its staging. The props include a large, vintage living room radio which not only creates a special connection to the era but also plays a pivotal role in the plot, as murder reports come in over the wireless. Scenic designer Frank Foster provides the cozy, English manor inn atmosphere with a large fireplace, picture frames decorating the wooden walls, and gothic windows. The costumes were likewise executed in period style by Erin Welsh.
While not a musical, “The Mousetrap” atmosphere is complemented by music throughout the production. During dining before the show begins, Dave Brubeck’s “Blue Rondo à la Turk” brings listeners into the 1950s, when the play was first produced. Duke Ellington and Fats Waller recordings from a decade or two earlier channel when the drama likely takes place. An effective use of Grieg’s “In the Hall of the Mountain King” from “Peer Gynt” at a key moment during the play lends to the atmosphere, tension, and drama. The haunting nursery song, “Three Blind Mice,” serves as a leitmotif throughout the story and references the title as well as possibly the murder victims.
While a fine example of a thrilling murder mystery (the theatre asks patrons not give away the ending to others), the play also offers food for thought. For instance, Mollie Ralston, a more complex character than first meets the eye, notes that when you come down to it, everyone is a stranger, including those you know very well. The play, while perhaps a little unsettling for very young children, is otherwise suitable entertainment for the entire family.
Running Time: Two hours and 30 minutes with one 15-minute intermission.
“The Mousetrap” runs only through August 23, 2026 at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, 95 Riverside Parkway Fredericksburg, VA 22406. For more information and to purchase tickets, call the Box Office at 540.370.4300, Sunday: 12 pm – 3 pm; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 10 am – 6 pm; Thursday and Friday: 10 am – 7:30 pm; and Saturday: 12 pm – 7:30 pm; or go online.
