Caught in the charm of ‘The Mousetrap’

Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap,” the world’s longest-running play, brings its trademark mystery and intrigue to life at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis with crisp performances, clever staging and just the right touch of suspense.

From the moment the curtains rise on Monkswell Manor, the audience is pulled into a snowed-in guesthouse filled with quirky characters and mounting tension. The Guthrie’s set design is impeccable — warmly lit and richly detailed, it evokes the perfect wintry English countryside atmosphere, with a strong nod to mid-century elegance. Two large, gorgeous chandeliers hang above the set, adding a touch of grandeur and timeless charm to the cozy yet mysterious manor.

Each cast member delivers a distinct and memorable performance. Whether it’s the reserved hosts, Mollie and Giles Ralston; the mysterious foreigner with a questionable past; or the delightfully odd Christopher Wren, the ensemble strikes a satisfying balance between drama and levity. Miss Casewell, in particular, stood out with a layered and powerful performance — quietly captivating, mysterious and commanding whenever she entered the scene.

Despite having seven characters onstage for most of the show, the flow is fantastic. The pacing allows every personality to shine, and the story never feels crowded or chaotic. The production moves with such ease that it’s easy to forget how many moving parts are involved — a testament to thoughtful direction and strong ensemble work.

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While the first act unfolds at a slow simmer, the payoff is worth the wait. The second half picks up steam, weaving tension and suspicion into a tightly knotted web. True to Christie form, the final reveal is gasp-worthy and satisfying – even if you’ve read the play or seen previous versions, the Guthrie’s direction brings a freshness that makes it feel new again.

Highlights include the use of shadows and lighting to intensify dramatic moments, and a clever use of sound effects that build suspense without being overbearing. There’s a playfulness woven into the darkness – one that lets audiences lean into the fun of trying to crack the case themselves. Gasps, chuckles and murmurs rippled through the crowd – proof that the audience was just as engaged in the mystery as the characters onstage.

Adding to the excitement of the production is the presence of several actors making their Guthrie debuts. The cast of “The Mousetrap” includes Matthew Amendt as the persistent Detective Sergeant Trotter; Pearce Bunting, in his Guthrie debut, as the stoic Major Metcalf; Greg Cuellar, also making his Guthrie debut, as the delightfully erratic Christopher Wren; and Monette Magrath, in her Guthrie debut, as the grounded yet mysterious Mollie Ralston. The ensemble is rounded out by Emjoy Gavino as the enigmatic Miss Casewell, Peter Christian Hansen as Giles Ralston, Mo Perry as the stern Mrs. Boyle and Matthew Saldívar as the ever-unsettling Mr. Paravicini.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Agatha Christie or discovering her work for the first time, “The Mousetrap” at the Guthrie offers a cozy, chilling evening of theater that’s perfect for a snowy Minnesota night.

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Final verdict: A delightfully puzzling night at the theater, with timeless twists, rich atmosphere, standout performances — especially Miss Casewell — and stunning set design. Bring a friend, or a fellow sleuth, and see if you can solve the mystery before the final act.

“The Mousetrap” by Agatha Christie runs through May 18 on the Guthrie’s McGuire Proscenium Stage. The production is directed by Tracy Brigden.

Editor’s note: This is the latest installment of Rachel’s Reviews, where Rachel Engstrom, a contributor to Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN), reviews various aspects of Eden Prairie and beyond. Do you have ideas for reviews? Reach out to Rachel Engstrom at rachel.engstrom@eplocalnews.org.