Review: MRS. CHRISTIE at McCarter-Comedy for Mystery Fans and Many More

“Shall we try to write our own solution?” by Agatha Christie in Mrs. Christie

Mrs. Christie is the new comedy-mystery on stage at McCarter Theatre Center in their Berlind Theatre. This original play is ingeniously written by Heidi Armbruster, splendidly directed by Donya K. Washington, and features a charismatic cast of eight.  It will be on the Princeton stage through May 31.  Make this thrilling play part of your spring entertainment schedule to enjoy with family and friends.

Mrs. Christie is an inventive spin on the 11 days in 1926 when famed crime novelist, Agatha Christie disappeared from the public’s view making it a subject for the rumor mill. With the recent death of her mother and her husband’s philandering, a distraught Christie checked into a hotel under an assumed name.  The play also develops a tale, 100 years later when two Christie super-fans, Lucy and Jane devote their energies to finding clues about Agatha’s mysterious disappearance and her newly discovered diary. Fast moving scenes interface Agatha's circumstances from the past with Lucy and Jane's current investigation. The story is cleverly imbued with comedy, drama, and of course, elements of a classic mystery.  Mrs. Christie also has important messaging as we witness strong women taking charge of their lives and overcoming personal obstacles.

You will be captivated by the company's spirited performance. The cast is led by Christiana Clark as Agatha who does a marvelous job of portraying Christie during a tumultuous personal period.  She is joined by the abundant talents of Evan Zes as Monsieur; Jeremy Gallardo as William/Collins; Patrese D. McClain as Lucy; Amber Walker as Nancy/Chloe; Polly Lee as Charlotte/Mary; Gina Daniels as Jane; and Cameron Knight as Archie. The understudies include Alex Brightwell, Ian Coulter-Buford, Ryann Myers, Anya Pearson, and Tai Ariel Verley.

Some memorable moments include Charlotte attempting to hide evidence of Archie’s recent liaison from Agatha; Lucy trying to find refuge in the library from the Agatha Christie Festival; Archie bringing his paramour, Nancy to the house; William showing Lucy copies of Agatha’s unpublished diary; Lucy joining with Jane to discover the mystery of Agatha’s diary; Agatha checking into the London hotel; Mary bringing Agatha trays to her hotel room; Monsieur speaking to Agatha about her writings; and Lucy developing a mystery story as it is unfolds.

The setting for Mrs. Christie is an impressive one and excellently captures the mood for the show. The creative team includes scenic and costume design by Lex Liang; lighting design by Amina Alexander; sound design and composer, T. Carlis Roberts; hair, wig, and makeup design by Kevin Foster. Associate scenic design is by Jackie Fox and Sarah Karl and associate lighting design, Cameron Filepas. The production stage manager is Alison Cote; assistant stage manager, Alexandria Griner; and production assistant, Chloe Meyer.

The dramaturg is Julie Felise Dubiner; assistant director, Natasha Gallop; voice and text director, Hannah Tamminen; fight directors, David Anzuelo and Sean Fletcher Griffin; intimacy director, Laura Hackman; and casting by The Telsey Office/Karyn Casl, CSA, Casting Director.

It’s perfect timing for McCarter Theatre Center to present Mrs. Christie. 2026 marks 50 years since Agatha Christie’s passing at age 85. The best-selling novelist of all time, her work has been translated into more than 100 languages and adapted countless times for stage, film, and television. Her enduring influence on crime and detective fiction continues to shape writers and audiences worldwide.

We applaud McCarter’s Artistic Director, Sarah Rasmusssen and the theatre's Executive Director, Martin Miller on the success of their season and for bringing Mrs. Christie to area audiences.  It’s a gem of a production!

The McCarter Theatre Center is located at 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ  08540.  For more information and ticketing to upcoming performances, please visit mccarter.org and call 609.258.2787. Discounted tickets for patrons 35 and under are available at mccarter.org/35andunder.

Photo Credit: Daniel Rader

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