So The Mousetrap opened last night in Curtain Call's Dressing Room Theater. We were sold out. We're actually sold out already for the whole opening weekend and the second Saturday. Its an interesting and exhilarating feeling. Not sure what to attribute it to. Is it the popularity of Agatha Christie? Is it the longevity of the show? Is it the cabaret style/bring your own food environment? Is it the actual production? Well...a sold out opening night/weekend probably can't be attributed to that cause no one had really seen it yet, but if the trend continues it probably means we've got good word of mouth.
I'm very proud of this production. I've seen some really bad Christie since I started doing community theater. And I'm not saying that only my versions are the best (I'm my own worst critic, I know where my faults and problems are and while this production isn't "perfect", very few non-theater people will notice), but I like to think that I can do right by Dame Agatha.
The show is lean and raw in the round. The cast was highly energized last night having a packed house so in their faces. There was a lot of uncomfortable laughter which worked nicely. We pulled everyone's strings exactly how I hoped we would (chills whenever the windows to the "outside" were opened as if it suddenly got cold in the theater, gasps at all the twists and turns -- particularly the ending).
We've got nine more performances and I look forward to seeing them all.
Its been fun producing shows for The Darien Players this past season, but its nice to be back in the director's seat...and even nicer to be in a new space.
Come see the show if you can. Check out www.curtaincallinc.com for more ticket info.
Be seeing you.
