A live chicken named Charlie and an orange-juggling pirate will add an exotic feel to a classic murder mystery on stage for one weekend.
However, those rare sightings aren’t the only reasons to see “Murder on the Orient Express” at Richmond Civic Theater, according to director Kathy Clopper.
She notes differences between Agatha Christie’s book, play and two versions of the movie that could keep audiences in suspense.
Clopper said a surprise twist is in the play that’s not in the book or either the 2017 or 1974 film.
In addition, the book includes 12 suspects, but only eight in the play. And, both of the movies have different twists from the book.
“The mystery is a great puzzle with lots of comedy thrown in,” Clopper said. “It will be a wonderful break from the weather and current issues in the news.”
Audiences don’t need to be familiar with Agatha Christie stories to enjoy the play.
Clopper described the show as visually stunning despite the challenges of creating several train cars and exotic locations on a small stage built for vaudeville.
Clopper said vendors have been incorporated into a train platform scene, adding lots of color and activity. That creative inclusion also gives the play’s crew a chance to be on stage. Their costumes aren’t historically correct for the play set in 1934, but the rest of the presentation is geared to that era with period props, makeup and hairstyles.
All involved with the show have done research on 1934 Istanbul, train travel, clothing, spirit lamps, train interiors, the Orient Express, detective Hercule Poirot and other topics. Clopper calls that research a fun and educational journey.
“It is a little ironic that the story takes place on a train that is stranded in the snow, and we have all been stranded from rehearsals because of snow,” Clopper said. “We have also discussed the moral dilemma faced by Poirot in solving the mystery and what he declares as his conclusion — very timely to some current situations.”
The show is rated PG-13.
Unlike many RCT shows, this one is open for just one weekend. It takes place from Thursday, Feb. 5, through Sunday, Feb. 8. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday.
Advance tickets range from $10-$20, depending on show night and seating chosen. Discounts are offered for K-12 students and seniors 65-plus. They can be purchased at the box office or by calling 765-962-1816 between 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays or at gorct.org. On show days, tickets are slightly higher.
Who’s involved with RCT’s ‘Murder’?
Production team: Kathy Clopper, Sandi Cox, Crystal Hernandez, Hollie Caskey, Nathaniel Arnett, Phil Baisley, Jennifer Brokamp, Jan and Paul Jordan, Tammy Bertsch, John Oberle, Rick Funk, Aaron Clarke
Crew: Sandi Cox, Derek Summan, Jessica Beare, Electa Berk, Nicole Castillo, Tammy Bertsch, Leo Davis, Victoria Ellison, Crystal Hernandez, Vicki Martin, Ryan Shaw, Elizabeth Vlietstra, Nathaniel Arnett, Leo Davis, Cole Hicks, John Oberle, Rick Funk, Barb Blanford, Traci McCollum, Susan Arnett, Pam Frazier, Nicole Andreas, Leo Davis, Amy Smallwood-Ringenberg, Dylan Dalbey, Elizabeth Vlietstra, Laura Ellison, Mickey White, Josh Smith, Jackson Thompson
Cast: Barton Wayne Teeters, Phil Baisley, Sarah Sexton, Amy Smallwood-Ringenberg, Dylan Dalbey, Jackson Thompson, Ethan Bain, Mickey White, Robyn Zitnick, Beth Good, Andy Shepherd, Allison Mopps, Jessica Beare, Electa Berk, Nicole Castillo, Tammy Bertsch, Leo Davis, Victoria Ellison, Crystal Hernandez, Paul Jordan, Vicki Martin, Ryan Shaw, Elizabeth Vlietstra. Voice actors: Ada Smoker and Derek Worch.
A version of this article appeared in the February 4 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.