Agatha Christie’s
Murder on the Orient Express
Adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig
AUDITIONS: September 27 from 2-5pm & September 28 from 6-9pm
Performances: November 12, 13, & 14 at 7:30 PM & November 15 at 2 PM
Directed by Kalyn Everett
Open auditions for this glamorous, laugh-filled stage adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic locked-room mystery will take place Sunday September 27 from 3 PM to 6 PM & and Monday September 28 starting at 6 PM to to 9 PM in the Altoona Community Theatre Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th Street, Downtown Altoona.
Auditions will consist of readings from the script. While no preparation is required, the audition scenes/sides can be found at the following link for those that would like to review them in advance. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-zjgT_dEJHiPaXwugcNtRUUl4rX3JgGl?usp=sharing
Actors must be available for all performances (dates listed above). Availability for rehearsals will be asked at auditions, please be prepared to list all conflicts from auditions to performance dates. If you are unable to attend general auditions, please contact the ACT Office at least two weeks in advance to discuss scheduling an alternative audition time.
Auditionees need only attend one night of open auditions unless asked to attend callbacks, expected to take place the evening of Wednesday, September 30 as needed.
Rehearsals are expected to begin shortly after auditions. Rehearsals are expected to occur4 mainly weekday evenings, some weekends as needed. Subject to change based on actor availability.
About the Show:
When a snowdrift stops the Orient Express, an American tycoon is discovered murdered in a locked compartment. Agatha Christie’s classic locked‑room mystery, adapted by Tony-nominated playwright Ken Ludwig, becomes a fast‑moving, witty, and theatrical whodunit. Balancing razor‑sharp plotting with buoyant comic energy, Detective Hercule Poirot races to unmask a killer among a trainload of colorful suspects.
Ludwig’s comic twists lift the period glitz and moral dilemma into laugh‑out‑loud theatricality while preserving Christie’s ingenious plot. Expect elegant 1930’s style, a brilliant detective, an ensemble of flamboyant suspects, and a crowd‑pleasing climax that will leave you guessing and grinning. Join us for an evening of suspense, glamour, intrigue, and laughter.
“A murder mystery with a wink—brisk, witty, and utterly satisfying.” — The Daily Herald
Available Roles:
All roles are available. No prior theatrical or ACT experience is required.
A note on accents: Several roles call for European accents (see character breakdowns below). While accents are welcome at auditions, don’t worry about mastering an accent for auditions. We’re looking for actors who can commit to a character’s energy and intention. Accent work will occur in rehearsal for anyone cast.
HERCULE POIROT
Male presenting, 40-65, Belgian accent. Principal character.
Agatha Christie’s most famous detective. Poirot is fastidious, thorough, a touch ridiculous, and incredibly observant and intelligent. He is both arrogant and humble to a fault. He is an observer of people, astute at analyzing why people behave as they do, and firmly believes that most crimes can be solved primarily by observation, psychology, and thinking them through. He values intelligence and the rule of law above all else.
MONSIEUR BOUC
Male presenting, 40-65, Belgian accent,
The owner of Wagon Lit, Orient Express. Bouc is a middle-aged man with a youthful vigor and attitude. Gregarious, honest and forthright, he puts his friends and customers above profit, although he is concerned about his company’s image. He is not a match for Poirot in intelligence, however.
MARY DEBENHAM
Female presenting, mid 20s-30s, English (standard) accent.
A governess. Anxious, but also cool and determined, Mary has a certain sadness about her, as well as many secrets. She is having a secret affair with Colonel Arbuthnot. Must be comfortable kissing on stage.
COLONEL ARBUTHNOT
Male presenting, 30s, Scottish accent.
A military man of the old fashioned type, possibly old-money, and used to being obeyed without question. He is strong, charismatic, but also problematic in some of his personal views. Having a secret affair with Mary. Has a temper. Must be comfortable kissing on stage.
NOTE: Role may double with Sam Ratchett
HECTOR MCQUEEN
Male presenting, 23-35, American accent
Personal assistant and secretary to Samuel Ratchett, McQueen is a nervous character with a stutter that appears when he is especially anxious. Seems rather new to his profession. Talks a bit too much.
MICHEL
Male presenting, 40s, French accent
Competent and organized, Michel is the conductor for the first class carriages of the Orient Express. Handles himself well in a crisis, and is very good at his job. Must be believably old enough to have an adult daughter.
NOTE: This actor will double as the Head Waiter of the Tokatilian Hotel
PRINCESS DRAGOMIROFF
Female presenting, 60s-70s, Russian accent
Displaced Russian nobility. The Princess is a battleship: determined, arrogant, and accustomed to getting her way. She travels a great deal, and holds very decided opinions. Has a foreboding presence, almost immoveable.
GRETA OHLSSON
Female presenting, 30s, Swedish accent
A Catholic missionary and baby nurse, currently serving as a companion to Princess Dragomiroff. Deeply devout. This character may be funny, but should not be played as a caricature for laughs.
COUNTESS ANDRENYI
Female presenting, 25-35, Hungarian accent
In addition to being married to a count (and thus, nobility), she also is a doctor. Beautiful, educated, charming, and intelligent enough to match wits with Poirot. Her wit is genuinely sharp, not intentionally funny.
HELEN HUBBARD
Female presenting, 45-60, American accent.
Not exactly what she seems, Hubbard comes across as a gregarious, loud, bold, obnoxious American busybody who has been married multiple times. Role requires broad, comic energy; big and fearless without losing likeability. Must be comfortable with minor singing and dancing.
SAMUEL RATCHETT
Male presenting, 35-50, American accent
A dangerous and unlikable man, full of entitlement, with a hair trigger temper. Must have a forceful personality, and come across as someone not to be trusted or crossed.
NOTE: Role may double with Col. Arbuthnot
Roles are open to racially diverse and gender-inclusive casting for actors of all physical and neurological abilities. Our casting seeks to be as inclusive as possible and we invite gender nonconforming, genderqueer, transgender, and nonbinary actors to select the roles they most identify with.
Questions can be directed to the ACT Office.
Phone: 814-943-4357
Email: act@altoonacommunitytheatre.com