Feb. 6 - March 1, 2009

For their first production of 2009, the Wimberley Players present Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap,” the ultimate whodunit, which opened February 6 for a four-weekend run. Famous as the world’s longest running show, the classic “Mousetrap” is directed by Lee Stubbs and produced by Barbara Alexander.

The setting for Mousetrap is an English guesthouse outside London, where there is a major snowstorm hampering transportation and communication.  There has been a murder in London and there are no suspects or motive.  

Several of the guests with prior reservations arrive late due to weather and there is a surprise arrival of a gentleman whose car overturned in a snow bank. Because roads are impassable, the local police sergeant arrives on skis to inform those at the inn of the murder and to assure their safety. The little band is burdened with more than a little temperamental baggage, as the peculiarities of each guest are revealed.

Soon the murder of Mrs. Boyle, a guest in the inn, makes everyone realize that the murderer is among them.  But who is it?

Director Lee Stubbs has cast several newcomers, rounding off the cast with Wimberley Players veterans. Katie Ritter and brother, Jacob Ritter, are first-time Players who come from Schertz.  Katie plays Mollie Ralston, one of the owners of the guesthouse. Katie’s on-stage experience includes a production of Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Death and Life of Larry Benson, where she played Freda. Jacob takes on the role of Sergeant Trotter. He has been active in many high school productions, including the lead role in The Marvelous Playbill, where he played the lead role of Chanfalla the Great.

Deanna Lalich plays the character of Miss Casewell, a strange, aloof woman, who speaks offhandedly about her experiences of childhood abuse.  Also a newcomer, Deanna has a degree in theatre and vocal performance and practices her trade daily dancing and singing with her kids.  She has been featured in various productions around San Marcos, including Blood Relations, and Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect

The cast is rounded off with several veterans of the Players stage.  Gina McClure plays Mrs. Boyle, a critical older woman who is pleased by nothing she observes and whose unexpected murder causes great panic among the guests.  Gina has been in numerous Players productions, including the recent Christmas Belles. Carl Galante takes on the role of Mr. Paravachini, the guest who unexpectedly comes in from the cold.  His character appears to be affecting a foreign accent and is artificially aged with makeup.  Carl has been featured in several outstanding WP productions, most memorably Blithe Spirit, and the Wimberley Players Theatre opening performance of 1776.  Calvin White is another familiar face who has delighted audiences with his performances in It Could Be Any One of Us and 1776, among others.  A jack of all trades, Calvin has also served as sound designer for Deathtrap and Rose’s Dilemma and was assistant director of Man of La Mancha. Calvin portrays Major Metcalf, an army retiree. 

Chris Higgins plays Giles Ralston, Mollie's husband and fellow innkeeper. Higgins has been seen in many Players' productions, including Dracula, Bell, Book and Candle; Bright Ideas and 1776. Derek Smootz most recently appeared in Man of La Mancha as the Knight of the Mirror and as Dr. Seward in Dracula. In this production of Mousetrap, Derek plays Christopher Wren, a hyperactive, peculiar young man who is the first guest to arrive during the snow storm.