“The Mousetrap” will be performed on the Playmakers Civic Theatre stage beginning on June 5. Shown are, back row from left, Ethan Mandeville, Shilynn McCumber, Rich Ryan, Assistant Director Ann Lewis, Dave Blankenbeker, and Matt Parker. In the front row from left are Elias Cruiser, Athena Schenk, Margaret Helbing, and Director Peggy McConnell. (Submitted photo)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

PORT CLINTON – A classic Agatha Christie murder mystery is coming to the Playmakers Civic Theatre stage. Peggy McConnell is the director of “The Mousetrap,” which will be performed on June 5 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. and on June 6, 7, 13, and 14 at 2 p.m.

“It’s a murder mystery that’s set in the 1950s,” McConnell said. “A lady inherits her family home and turns it into a hostel.”

Several guests arrive at the hostel on opening day, as well as a stranded driver and a police officer.

“It’s a dark and snowy night, and the guests are a little strange,” McConnell said.

The police officer informs the group that he believes a recent London murder is connected to the guests, and soon, one of the hostel guests is found dead.

McConnell chose an extraordinary cast for “The Mousetrap,” which includes Ethan Mandeville, Shilynn McCumber, Rich Ryan, Ann Lewis, Dave Blankenbeker, Matt Parker, Elias Cruiser, Athena Schenk, and Margaret Helbing.

“The Mousetrap” Director Peggy McConnell, left, and Assistant Director Ann Lewis lead a rehearsal at Playmakers Civic Theatre. (Submitted photo)

McCumber is new to the area and somewhat new to theater. She has only one high school play under her performance belt but is playing her debut Playmakers’ part brilliantly. Schenk plays the crusty-attitude houseguest who is easy to despise.

“As soon as she walks onstage, you immediately hate her,” McConnell said. “She is a wonderful actor. I sought her out for this part.”

McConnell said that Cruiser and Mandeville create melded charisma onstage.

“There’s a real magnetism between them. When they are onstage together, you get goosebumps,” McConnell said. “I’m really thrilled with my cast.”

Tickets for “The Mousetrap” can be reserved by calling Playmakers at 419-734-5044 or at the Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.pcplaymakers.org.