Mousetrap catches audience members at Hylton premier

It’s a great way to enjoy a first-class performance some folks may not otherwise be able to afford. Vpstart Crow recently offered a pay-what-you-can stage preview for what originally was written by Agatha Christie as a radio play, “The Mousetrap.”

The legendary murder-mystery was performed at the Hylton Center for the Performing Arts in Manassas. Patrons caught the cast in action on their first night by making a donation, preferably at least $5.

“The Mousetrap” was directed by Clemente Santiago III. “So far, our pay-what-you-can previews have been received very well, but usually do not take away from the many patrons wanting to see our other paid performances,” he said. “However, they do appreciate that we provide an extra, affordable opportunity to see our quality ‘Vpstartling’ theatre every season.”

Santiago said most of the regular performances of “The Mousetrap” sold out very quickly during this run. In fact, he said, “The Mousetrap’” is now the most attended, nonholiday show in the history of Vpstart Crow.

The play featured a small, yet perfectly cast, group of actors. Dan Clark and Rachel Murray portrayed Giles and Mollie Ralston, the nervous couple who runs the new Monkwell Manor Guest House in 1950’s England.

The murder of Maureen Lyon is committed nearby as the play begins with a chilling scream.

A snowstorm brings stranded guests inside one-by-one: Peter Louis Johnson as the quirky Christopher Wren; Lee McKenna as the critical Mrs. Boyle; Larry Keeling as the stalwart Maj. Metcalf; Shaina Higgins as the confident Miss Casewell; Geoffrey Baskir as the suspicious, and last-minute guest, Mr. Paravicini.  Eben Kuhns, portraying Detective Sgt. Trotter, skis into the mess, declaring he will stop the killer from claiming another victim.

Read the full story in the print edition of the Observer.