By Alexandra K. Mosca
Mankind has strived for centuries to invent the perfect mousetrap. In the world of theater, Agatha Christie has managed to do just that, with her renowned mystery, “The Mousetrap.” The perfect production of it came to Theatre á la Carte in Douglaston last month. In the hands of a grand ensemble of players and under the knowing direction of Richard Weyhausen, the play held the packed house in awe with loud bravos for all at the final curtain.
The drama focuses on Mollie Ralston, whose guilt-ridden past is adding to the frustrations in her marriage to the ne’er-do well, Giles. Together they open a guesthouse as a last ditch effort to earn a living—and save their marriage. Mollie, wonderfully portrayed by Mary Lynch, gradually confronts the dark sin of her past. Giles, in a perfectly balanced performance by Jimmy O’Neill, is forced to admit, in a bitter argument with his wife, that he does not really know her.
An assortment of strangers come to stay in their guesthouse, all with words of advice. All of these eccentric characters appear suspicious enough be the “whispering killer” of London. Mr. Weyhausen, the director, does double duty, portraying Christopher Wren, one of the guests. With grand mood swings and astounding changes in British dialects to fit his outbursts, his Wren is a superb portait of a schizophrenic. Miss Casewell, in the excellent hands of Nancy E. Keegan, was jolly in her entrance, only to reveal dark purposes and her poignant, haunted past, moments later. Nick DeCesare played a masterful Mr. Paravicini, with comic timing, mock elegance, and a host of foreign words and accents. Mrs. Boyle, often played as just “a mean old lady,” was given a heart, soul and glamour by Peggy Kotick. Ron Caveglia was such a convincing Major Metcalf that the audience audibly gasped when he revealed his true identity.
The main visitor to the guesthouse, Detective Sergeant Trotter was brilliantly performed by Ed Schuldner. Every nuance of voice, the timing of each line and gesture was perfectly in place gradually transforming the “hearty” young detective into a haunting figure of menace. Sharing the spotlight was an added character, Mrs. Barlow, the housekeeper, given charm and elegance by Alice Ward, as she hosted a whodunnit contest after each act.
It was the director’s goal to set the play in dark lighting, with the final scene almost in shadow. With haunting music selections by Richard Wagner in the background, Weyhausen clearly revealed the Freudian elements at work in Christie’s play, emphasizing passionate confrontations and delineated characters. The impressive set by Dana Martin, with lighting design by Bill Hass, marvelously executed by Dino Oranges, helped bring this mystery to the level of drama that it so well deserves. Lisa Oranges, the stage manager/assistant director, is to be congratulated for the seamless flow of the scenes.
Theatre á la Carte gave its final performance of “The Mousetrap” April 29 at the Community Church of Douglaston, 39-50 Douglaston Parkway. Be on the lookout for the fall production to run late in October and into November. Call 631-4092 after Labor Day for information.
