Tired of watching re-runs of all of your favorite television crime-solving heroes? Interested in adding a bit of mystery to your summer? If so, stop by the UW Madison campus this summer and join us for Agatha Christie’s murder mystery masterpiece, The Mousetrap.  Performances begin July 13 and continue through July 29 in the Mitchell Theatre, 821 University Avenue.

The Mousetrap is the longest running theatrical production in history. The iconic play has been running continuously in London for the past sixty years—accumulating over 24,500 performances. It is based on a radio play called “Three Blind Mice” which Agatha Christie originally wrote for the occasion of Queen Mary’s 80th birthday in 1947. Christie subsequently adapted it into a stage play and it opened in 1952.

Mysterious twists and thrilling turns abound when a group of strangers stranded in a guesthouse during a snowstorm discover that a murderer is in their midst. Whodunit? Is it one of the suspicious newlyweds or the spinster with the curious background? Perhaps it’s the architect, the retired Army major or the strange man running from his past. In an evening of exhilarating intrigue, Agatha Christie’s greatest mystery unfolds to a surprising conclusion. The identity of the killer in the play is a closely guarded secret and audiences must take a pledge not to reveal the murderer.

“All I knew of the play before beginning my work was its astonishing performance history and the legendary contract of secrecy between its performers and audiences,” said Professor David Furumoto, the director of UT’s production.  According to Furumoto, the classic play continues to pose provocative questions to contemporary audiences sixty years after its creation. “When you consider the large number of “whodunit” mysteries on TV and in the movies, it is clear that this genre continues to attract audiences.  Adding the element of ‘live performers’ should only add to the audience’s enjoyment.”

Performers for UT’s production include returning UW students Niccole Carner, Aaron Heaps, Haley Kosup-Kennedy, Stuart Mott, Ely Plan, and VJ Wesley and recent graduates Peter Hiller and Patrick Reed. Rounding out the production team are Professor William Moser (scenic designer), recent MFA graduate Brandi Mitchell (lighting designer), UT staff member Jim Greco (costume designer) and UW undergrad Jeff Parulski (sound designer). 

Quite naturally, The Mousetrap opens Friday the 13th (of July) and runs through July 29 with Sunday matinees on July 22 and 29. Performances are in the Mitchell Theatre, 821 University Avenue. Evening performances begin at 7:30 PM and matinees begin at 2 PM. Individual tickets for all performances are $22 general public or $15 for UW students and children. Discounts are available for senior citizens and Friends of University Theatre.

Purchase tickets by phone at (608) 265-ARTS (2787), in person at the Vilas Hall Box Office, 821 University Ave or order on-line at utmadison.com.