REVIEW: The Mousetrap

If you’re a fan of classic murder mysteries, then the Guthrie Theater’s production of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap will delight and satisfy. This timeless play, which has captivated audiences for decades being the longest running show of any kind in the world, continues to intrigue and entertain with its clever plot twists and whimsical characters telling a tale of suspense and muuuuuuurder.

The Mousetrap is a classic murder mystery play set in a remote guesthouse called Monkswell Manor, where a group of strangers become trapped during a snowstorm. As secrets are revealed, tensions rise as the guests realize that one of them is likely a murderer. The list of victims lengthens and the story builds suspense and intrigue as Christie expertly weaves a web of misdirection, keeping the audience guessing until the very end.

The set design for The Mousetrap is nothing short of gorgeous, transporting the audience to the cozy yet eerie atmosphere of Monkswell Manor. The attention to detail in the set pieces and props add an extra layer of old-time glamour to the production. Through these details, the audience is transported and immersed in another world.

The characters in The Mousetrap are delightfully quirky, each with their own distinct personalities and potentially suspicious traits. The talented cast at the Guthrie Theater brings these characters to life with skill and charisma. There is truly no standout performer in this cast as every character had an important role and significantly and seamlessly intertwined with the presence of the others on stage.

One of the most fascinating and fun aspects of The Mousetrap is its enduring mystery. Agatha Christie famously refused to allow it to be adapted into a movie, ensuring that the suspense and surprise of the story remain intact for theatergoers (as you must remember she passed away before the internet era). This decision has been successful to keep the play shrouded in secrecy, ensuring spoilers are hard to come by. I applaud Ms. Christie’s decision as it paid off in my experience.

The Mousetrap is at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis through May 18, 2025. Tickets start at $32.

Photo by Dan Norman