Review: A Thrilling Time Seeing Murder on the Orient Express

Murder on the Orient Express

We enjoyed a night at the theater last weekend seeing Murder on the Orient Express at the Pittsburgh Public Theater. Running now through May 1, the show beautifully portrays the popular Agatha Christie whodunit story in this intimate theater in downtown Pittsburgh.

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pittsburgh public theater

The audience was transported on board the most luxurious train in the world when a suspicious businessman unexpectedly turns up murdered in his cabin. We followed along this classic story as it transformed into a thrilling ride on stage. Playwright Ken Ludwig twists Agatha Christie’s timeless plot with his signature comic flair.

The story begins with its suspenseful punches, its entertaining characters and the mysterious murder – which all engaged the audience right from the start. In this theater, every view is a great look at the stage. I sat in the middle section yet felt close enough to hear the actors and see their facial expressions. I hadn’t read the book previously, so this entire show was edge-of-my-seat exciting.

I also enjoyed learning about the characters throughout the show, but I’ll admit, I was shocked to see the final scenes about who committed the murder of one of the passengers. Really, I would not have even guessed! The actors played their roles spectacularly and brought to life these interesting (and some over-the-top) characters.

The story is set in the early twentieth century, so forensic science wasn’t so advanced yet. Seeing how Detective Hercule Poirot solves the case was intriguing — recalling on his past experience of solving crimes, his wits and overall skepticism of the passengers.

Featuring James FitzGerald as Michel the Conductor/Head Waiter, Martin Giles as Hercule Poirot, Catherine Gowl as Mary Debenham, Lenora Nemetz as Helen Hubbard, Caroline Nicolian as Countess Andrenyi, Helena Ruoti as Princess Dragomiroff, Alec Silberblatt as Hector MacQueen, Saige Smith as Greta Ohlsson, Ricardo Vila-Roger as Monsieur Bouc, and David Whalen as Colonel Arbuthnot/Samuel Ratchett, with Jason McCune and Amy Landis as Understudies.
Don’t miss your chance to catch this play with your friends and family (teens and older)!
Murder on the Orient Express
Credit: Pittsburgh Public Theater

Dates

Running now through May 1, 2022
Run Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes (including one intermission)

Tickets

Tickets start at $32 and can be purchased online here.

Location

Pittsburgh Public Theater at The O’Reilly Theater
621 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Important Information: All current COVID-19 protocols will remain in place throughout Murder on the Orient Express. Proof of full vaccination, valid photo ID, and masks are currently required. Visitors are welcome to visit our “Beverage Car” on the third floor for bar service prior to the performance. Otherwise, masks must remain on during your visit to the O’Reilly Theater.
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Don’t miss the 2023 season at the Pittsburgh Public Theater!
Disclaimer: I was provided with a media pass in exchange for my review, and all opinions are my own.