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From Judith Prieve's article in the Contra Costa Times, Friday, October 8th, 2004.

PCT puts on perfect ‘Mousetrap’

JACK O'LEARY, left, plays Mjr. Metcalf, Sandra Blazer is Mrs. Boyle, and Mike Fallon is Christopher Wren in the Pittsburg Community Theatre production of Agatha Christie's “The Mousetrap.” Photo Credit: Dean Coppola/staff

By Judith Prieve

It may be an old chestnut, but under the capable hands of Pittsburg Community Theatre, this classic Agatha Christie murder-mystery is roasted to perfection.

The nonprofit troupe, which opened its 25th season with the whodunit last Friday, proves its professionalism with this tight, perfectly cast and finely executed production, with Betty Baker Bindner at the helm. It's the same old story that's played continuously in London for more than 50 years, but somehow it all seems fresh and fun here.

The play opens with the haunting signature piece “Three Blind Mice,” a song that will be played over and over throughout the production with just the right disturbing effect. Almost immediately, the first murder is committed, but it will be many scenes later before we learn who the dastardly culprit is.

The story is set in 1948 in a boarding house outside London, where a couple, Giles and Mollie Ralston, have just opened an inn to their first visitors, one of whom is apparently a murderer. It's not long before a blinding snowstorm traps the eccentric guests each of whom comes under suspicion.

PCT newcomer Karen Horn of Marin County stars as Mollie, the owner of Monkswell Manor. Horn is perfectly believable as the enthusiastic young innkeeper who gradually starts to unravel as the murder in the city becomes connected in more ways than one to her guest house. At her side is the capable C. Conrad Cady of Castro Valley as Giles, her adoring husband who right off the bat worries about playing host to so many strangers.

One by one the guests—covered in snowflakes—arrive, including Christopher Wren, played with much zest and comic appeal by the hilarious Mike Fallon of Walnut Creek. He practically stole the show with his outrageous portrayal of the foppish architect. Next comes the persnickety, retired magistrate Mrs. Boyle (played with aplomb by Sandy Blazer of San Francisco) who complains bitterly about the old house, its inexperienced owners and lack of a suitable staff.

She is followed by the talented Jack O'Leary of Pittsburg as the retired, stiff-upper-lipped Major Metcalf and Cory Blaiss of San Francisco as Miss Casewell, a confident, cigarette-smoking -- a la Marlena Dietrich -- expatriate.

Ah, and then there are the uninvited guests, including the mysterious Mr. Paravicini (Mike Thomas of Antioch) whose car unexpectedly breaks down just as a fierce storm begins brewing, and the young Sgt. Trotter (Greg Brown of Pittsburg) who shows up to protect the guests just before the next murder is committed.

The pace continues to hum along in the second act as red herrings pop up, suspicions arise and accusations fly in this intriguingly fun show. With each of the characters a bit odd or unbalanced in some way, it's hard to know who is the criminal and who might be the next victim. In typical Agatha Christie fashion, the playwright throws just enough information out there to make you think you know the answer before spinning your head around with yet another zinger.

All of this takes place against a well-designed English manor set designed by David Ward complete with several exits and entrances and a double wide window from which characters can enter and exit, along with a cozy window seat perfectly fit for hiding.

Yes, it could be said there's a bit of moldy cheese in this period piece with its murder-mystery clichés, but under the right direction and with a capable cast as is presented here, this classic whodunit becomes a delightful brain teaser filled with twists and turns. And, when the trap is sprung and the audience gasps in delight at the unexpected outcome, it's obvious these talented actors have played all the right notes.

Reach Judith Prieve at 925-779-7178 or jprieve@cctimes.com.