Review: MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS at Pioneer Theatre Company Whisks Away the Audience

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS plays through October 7, 2023.

By: Sep. 27, 2023
Review: MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS at Pioneer Theatre Company Whisks Away the Audience

Pioneer Theatre Company’s production of Agatha Christie’s MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS whisks the audience away to an engaging evening.

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS by Ken Ludwig, adapted from the favorite novel by Agatha Christie, is a murder mystery set on the fabled Orient Express train in the 1930s.  When famed detective Hercule Poirot, who is fortuitously on board, sets out to discover the perpetrator of a passenger’s murder, he unravels a web of strange connections, coincidences, and circumstances.

The proficient actors have been directed by Melissa Rain Anderson to exude a mixture of brooding mystery and broad comedy.

John Tufts leads the proceedings with both pomp and humanity as Hercule Poirot. 

The remainder of the professional ensemble cast includes Anne Tolpegin as Helen Hubbard, Gisela Chípe as Countess Andrenyi, Bonnie Black as Princess Dragomiroff, Matthew McGloin as Hector MacQueen, Edward Juvier as Monsieur Bouc, Andrea Morales as Mary Debenham, Robert Scott Smith as Colonel Arbuthnot/Samuel Rachett, Amy Bodnar as Greta Ohlsson, and Alec Ruiz as Michel the Conductor/Head Waiter.

The scenic design by Jason Simms is an impressive expression of a series of train cars that elegantly slide in and out of frame. 

The lighting by Jaymi Lee Smith is at times subtle, at times garish, and incredibly impactful in its starring moment in the finale as it brings focus to character flashbacks.

The costume design by Phillip R. Lowe and hair/makeup by Tami Lee Thompson carry the characters back to the 1930s, and the laudable individual miking of the actors by sound designer Elton Bradman ensures they are heard.

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS plays through October 7, 2023. For tickets, call the box office at 801-581-6961 or visit www.pioneertheatre.org.

Photo Credit: BW Productions


BroadwayWorld Awards Voting

RELATED STORIES - Salt Lake City

1
Holiday Season Kicks Off at Tuacahn With Irving Berlins WHITE CHRISTMAS Photo
Holiday Season Kicks Off at Tuacahn With Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS

Unforgettable music and nostalgia fill the stage in White Christmas The Musical at Tuacahn Center for the Arts.

2
Latest Standings Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Salt Lake City Awards; PUFFS Leads B Photo
Latest Standings Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Salt Lake City Awards; PUFFS Leads Best Play!

Happy Holidays! The latest wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 27th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Salt Lake City Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

3
Salt Lake Acting Company To Produce ELEPHANT & PIGGIES: WE ARE IN A PLAY! Photo
Salt Lake Acting Company To Produce ELEPHANT & PIGGIE'S: WE ARE IN A PLAY!

Salt Lake Acting Company presents 'Elephant & Piggie's: We Are in a Play!' based on the children's book series by Mo Willems. Join Elephant Gerald and Piggie as they embark on a musical adventure about friendship. Don't miss this delightful production for the whole family.

4
Review: Hale Centre Theatres ELF THE MUSICAL is Sparklejollytwinklejingley Photo
Review: Hale Centre Theatre's ELF THE MUSICAL is Sparklejollytwinklejingley

ELF THE MUSICAL on Hale Centre Theatre’s Centre Stage in Sandy is a “sparklejollytwinklejingley” celebration of the joys of Christmas. 

Videos


Jersey Boys (PG Rated) in Salt Lake City Jersey Boys (PG Rated)
Tuacahn Amphitheatre (7/13-10/19)
Irving Berlin's White Christmas in Salt Lake City Irving Berlin's White Christmas
Tuacahn Amphitheatre (11/24-12/22)
A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder in Salt Lake City A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder
Regalo Theater Company (1/05-1/20)
Disney's Frozen in Salt Lake City Disney's Frozen
Tuacahn Amphitheatre (5/03-10/17)
Alan Menken's A Christmas Carol, The Musical in Salt Lake City Alan Menken's A Christmas Carol, The Musical
Tuacahn Indoor Hafen Theatre (11/22-12/21)
Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical in Salt Lake City Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical
Tuacahn Indoor Hafen Theatre (6/21-8/10)
Anastasia in Salt Lake City Anastasia
Tuacahn Amphitheatre (5/17-10/18)
VIEW ALL SHOWS  ADD A SHOW  

Recommended For You