There's a near-palpable air of murder in our midst, and Production Workshop's downstairs space is smelling guiltier by the second, but only in the smartest, most elegantly wicked way. For its playful restaging of Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap," the theatre has tweeded overcoats and polished accents to perfection, delivering a veddy British detective story where nobody's safe - and no one is to be trusted.
Dame Christie penned her mystery - a little tale of eight potential killers trapped in a wintry guesthouse - in 1952, when her reputation as a first-rate crime writer had already been established. Since then, the play has distinguished itself as the longest-living showpiece in London stage history on the verge of its 20,000th curtain at St. Martin's theatre.
For these reasons alone, it's a marvel that the script remains as fresh as it does. Director Michelle Oing '07, herself a veteran of the PW stage, has staged a remarkably light and zingy presentation of the suspenseful piece, saving the dialogue from collapsing under its own squareness. She also allows her strong stable of actors to relish the comic possibilities of their roles. As the neurotic, badgering Christopher Wren, David Greis '07 clearly delights in the character's English malapropisms; portraying the salacious Euro export Paravicini, Adam Mazer '08 peppers phrases with a sly innuendo.
In a stunning turn, Jessica Laser '08 brings a surefooted immediacy to her characterization of the young lodging owner Mollie Ralston. Her lines are timed correctly, and her gestures rarely feel overdone. In the show's headlining role, Bentley Rubinstein '09 gives a suggestive performance - Sgt. Trotter is commanding without ever seeming wooden.
The set also satisfies. Non-profit theater groups like PW can rarely get settings of caliber as right as they might wish. But the cold, dark manor constructed by Jenny Filipetti '09 is a treat. With its period furniture and imaginative detail, the scenery also affords its actors enough room to move around.
It should be noted, however, that the production's real star is ultimately to be found in the ensemble as a whole. Christie's plot depends on the full cooperation of its participants - a weak link can destroy its dramatic intrigue - and Oing has brought out her actors' strengths to dazzling effect.
Bad news for the impatient: The surprise ending is only revealed to those in attendance. In fact, tradition forces the "Mousetrap" virgin to sit through the whole play to know the clincher. But who cares? With theater this good, it can sometimes be nice to be trapped mice.
"The Mousetrap" is showing in PW's downstairs space at T.F. Green Hall. The final performance will be tonight at 8 p.m. Admission is free.
