Murder on the Orient Express | Guthrie Theater
Agatha Christie's

Murder on the Orient Express

adapted for the stage by KEN LUDWIG
directed by RISA BRAININ
McGuire Proscenium Stage

A who-done-it mystery

Passengers aboard the opulent Orient Express awake to frightful news: Overnight, the American business mogul among them was stabbed to death behind locked doors. Thankfully, debonair detective Hercule Poirot is on the train and on the case. He promptly begins interviewing suspects, securing alibis and forming theories about the killer, who remains at large and could be closing in on the next victim. As the plot thickens and the travelers grow restless, Poirot presents two viable scenarios about who murdered the mogul and why, taking the audience on a wildly glamorous crime-solving ride.

Three things to know

  • Agatha Christie’s famous novel is a meditation on revenge and justice. Ken Ludwig’s adaptation for the stage streamlines the plot (inspired by the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby) and the number of characters, but it keeps the mystery and famous-if-you-know-it ending.
  • Poirot tells the audience that this story of primal murder is an “odyssey of deception and trickery” that proved to be the greatest case of his career.
  • Ludwig wrote this adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express at the request of the Agatha Christie Estate, and it premiered at McCarter Theatre Center in 2017.

Ticket prices

Prices range from $20 to $80.

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Group sales

All student and adult groups of 15 or more qualify for discounts on tickets to Guthrie productions.

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Run time

Approximately 2 hours, 10 minutes (including intermission)

Venue info

Murder on the Orient Express will take place on the McGuire Proscenium Stage.

Pro tip: Can't do stairs or have a special seating request? Call the Box Office for details. 

Content advisory

This production contains mature themes, fog and loud noises, including gunshot sound effects. For more information, please contact the Box Office.

Age recommendation

We recommend Murder on the Orient Express for ages 12 and up. Everyone must have a ticket, and children under 5 are not admitted.

Post-play discussions

Join us after select performances for a 20-minute conversation facilitated by Guthrie staff. Cast members may join the discussion as they are able.

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Relaxed performance

The Guthrie will offer a relaxed performance of Murder on the Orient Express on Sunday, June 11 at 1 p.m. Although these performances are open to all patrons, they are intentionally modified to accommodate patrons with sensory and vestibular sensitivities, anxiety, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, learning differences or challenges attending the theater.

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Health and safety

Masks are no longer required for all Sunday performances. For audience members who prefer a masked environment, we will offer a mask-required performance of Murder on the Orient Express on Sunday, June 4 at 1 p.m.

Play guide and program

Want to dig deeper? Check out the play guide and digital program

Reviews

Bloody good fun

"If your escapist summer fun tends toward the murder-mystery variety, then count yourself lucky...what puts this "Murder" over the top is the humor that ripples through the winning performances."

Full Star Tribune Review

Dazzling and fast paced

"Guthrie Theater has brought Murder on the Orient Express to vivid life in a dazzling and fast paced production that would be a crime to miss."

Full BroadwayWorld Review

Artists

Cast

Katie Bradley

Countess Andrenyi

China Brickey

Mary Debenham

Michelle Barber

Princess Dragomiroff

Jane Froiland

Greta Ohlsson

Peter Christian Hansen

Colonel Arbuthnot/Samuel Ratchett

Robert Johansen

Michel/Head Waiter

Gavin Lawrence

Monsieur Bouc

Andrew May

Hercule Poirot

Tyler Michaels King

Hector MacQueen

Sally Wingert

Helen Hubbard

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Creative team

Ken Ludwig

Adapter

Risa Brainin

Director

Rob Koharchik

Scenic Designer

Devon Painter

Costume Designer

Michael Klaers

Lighting Designer

Michael Keck

Sound Designer/Composer

Miko Simmons

Projection Designer

Megan Burns

Vocal Coach

Aaron Preusse

Fight Director

Karl Alphonso

Stage Manager

Laura Topham

Assistant Stage Manager

Alessandra Bongiardina

Intimacy

Jennifer Liestman

Resident Casting Director

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Photos

Katie Bradley, Andrew May and Gavin Lawrence (Dan Norman)

The cast of Murder on the Orient Express (Dan Norman)

Michelle Barber, Andrew May and Jane Froiland (Dan Norman)

Robert Johansen, Andrew May and Gavin Lawrence (Dan Norman)

The cast of Murder on the Orient Express (Dan Norman)

Gavin Lawrence and Andrew May (Dan Norman)

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First-Timer's Guide

A handy know-before-you-go guide

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