‘The Mousetrap’ captures its audience at the Hanover Tavern

A good playwright makes every character seem guilty, except the true murderer. This was the case at the Hanover Tavern with Agatha Christie’s “Mousetrap.” Angela Shipley and Tony Foley play Mollie and Giles Ralston. They live in a sleepy London suburb where they rent out rooms to other characters that are forced to share the night after a horrible murder. All have a dark past due to a nearby farm where an evil event had happened to three orphans.

During the play, the audience begins to wonder what the Ralstons’ secret is; the only description of the crook was a dark overcoat, a felt hat and a scarf that disguised his (or her) whispering voice, the exact same description of Mr. Ralston’s clothing which Mollie quickly puts away. Is he the murderer? With accusations thrown at all the boarders at the house, will the murderer be uncovered?

With odd colloquialisms, special effects and dramatized expression, the drama becomes very poignant. Furthermore, the acting, choreography and commentary among characters really make the performance. Chris Burbach called it “outstandingly excellent because of the timing.”

The use of lighting was masterful; the performance opened in pitch blackness, and the radio came on informing listeners of a recent murder. The set appeared realistic; one could imagine feeling the bitter cold snow and could even smell the players’ cigarettes.

John Dimiceli commented on “how it was enjoyable over 50 years in part because of the slower character development. It’s not fast action, nor will it keep you up at night like the ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre.’ ”

Shipley is a recent graduate of Theatre VCU, and player Matthew Costello, dialect director Amanda Durst, and Heather Hogg, who designed the costumes for the show and works as an adjunct VCU theater professor, are all alumni.