Ferris State University - Ferriscope Yearbook (Big Rapids, MI)

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26 ‘Three Blind Mice...” By David J. Gignac Agatha Christie has written several murder mysteries, but none like ‘The Mouse Trap.’’ The play opened in London in 1952, and has been running ever since; making it the longest running production in history. The performance opens with the music of ‘‘Three Blind Mice’ playing in the background. Then from the distance comes a scream. The first ““mouse”’ has been caught. The lights come up. Mrs. Ralston (played by Laura Bingman) enters to tidy up before her husband (played by Micheal Pilon) comes home. When Mr. Ralston arrives, the couple talk about their venture in establishing a guest house and the guests which are to arrive at any minute. When the guests begin to arrive, Mr. and Mrs. Ralston start to realize that taking care of them will be a lot of work. The first to enter is Mr. Christopher Wren (played by Michey Vollette). Christopher is a rather loud, excited, eccentric individual who never combs his hair and wears bright colored clothes. A few moments later, other guests, Mrs. Boyle (played by Katherine Lichty) and Major Metcalf (played by Paul White) arrive. Mrs. Boyle is an old fuss-budget, who is always complaining about everything. Major Metcalf, in contrast, is very easy going. After Mr. Ralston shows the guests to their rooms, Miss Casewell (played by Tracy Lewis) arrives. She is a very strong willed woman who is trying to make her mark in life. Just as Mr. Ralston shows his last guest to her room, the doorbell rings again. An unexpected visitor enters. The uninvited guest is Mr. Paravicini, (played by Dennis Hoopingamer) who has been caught in the snow storm, and needs a place to stay for the night. Mrs. Ralston agrees to put him up. All settle in, not knowing what lies ahead. The next morning a Detective Sergeant Trotter (played by Scott Winder) arrives to inform everyone at the inn that someone is about to be killed. The sergeant goes on to relate a murder that occured the day Photo by Larry Kunkle The Mouse Trap before and predicts the killer will strike again. He tries to establish a connection between one of the guests and the murder. Failing to succeed in his attempt, he warns that one of them will soon die. After the Sergeant's visit, the guests go about their business. Mrs. Boyle remains alone on stage listening to the radio. Suddenly the lights go out, and someone is heard whistling ‘‘Three Blind Mice’. A struggle is heard on stage, then silence. Mrs. Ralston enters, turns on the lights and finds Mrs. Boyle dead. When the lights come up on the third act, Sergeant Trotter is interrogating everyone about the murder. He tries unsuccessfully to force a confession. The play goes on; everyone returns to their daily routine. Each is noticeably wary of the other. To solve the crime, Sergeant Trotter attempts to re-enact the murder. He sends the guests off stage, then calls for Mrs. Ralston and convinces her into relating the events leading up to the crime. As in all typical Agatha Christie mysteries, the unthinkable person is the murderer. She always seems to make everyone a suspect and then finally comes up with a person who no one would think of. The performance by this group of amatuers was quite outstanding. From the portrayal of the harmless Miss Casewell by Traci Lewis, to the angry Mr. Ralston played by Michael Pilon, the actors and actresses of Ferris Theater were extremely expressive and should be commended for their performance. The stage was well set with artistically decorated | props, most of which proved to be functional as well. The fireplace logs glowed cheerily giving the stage the homey effect. Further realism was provided by the lights, set in the paneling of the English country house. The stage crew, direction and actors alike should be commended for a job well done.

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A. Clowns pass out candy in the parade. B. The winning float, “Sam the Olympic Eagle,’’ entered by Kappa Psi C. Mike Zaziski takes a break before going back out on the field. D. Governor II E. Band day at Ferris F. Ahappy football fan. Aunkl Photo by Larry Kunkle aaa ROSA rend ea Photo by Larry Kunkle aps awsnnee iE : : ill F Photo by Larry Kunkle Photo by Larry Kunkle Homecoming 25

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glaig s A. Major Metcalf becomes worried when he hears that the police are about to arrive. B. Miss Casewell listens in ona nearby conversation. C. Mr. Paravicini lights up his cigar, and takes it easy. D. Detective Sergeant Trotter and Mrs. Ralton review her story about the murder. Photo by Larry Kunkle aay D 2 Photo by Larry Kunkle The Mouse Trap 27