Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap

What happens when a snowstorm traps seven strangers—and one of them is a murderer? In a remote English guesthouse, secrets swirl and suspicion runs high in this classic whodunit from the queen of mystery, Agatha Christie. With everyone a suspect and no one above suspicion, the guests must unravel the mystery before the murderer strikes again. With clever twists, eccentric characters, and a deliciously tense “locked room” setting, The Mousetrap is the perfect night out for fans of Midsomer Murders, Death in Paradise, and Poirot. Settle in. Someone won’t make it to curtain call.

Note: The Mousetrap is presented in the Marshall & Julie Linn Studio Theatre.

A preshow talk is offered in the West Lobby 30 minutes prior to curtain.

If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please fill out this form. We have Playhouse donors who have generously supported a limited number of pay-what-you-can tickets for distribution. Requests should be made prior to opening night.

Performance Times:
7:30 PM Wednesdays through Saturdays & 2:00 PM Saturdays-Sundays excluding Saturday, Feb. 7
Theatre:
Signature Series in the Studio Theatre
Run Time:
2 hours 15 minutes including a 15-minute intermission
Content Advisory:
The Playhouse does not rate subject matter as sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have questions about content, age appropriateness, or other aspects of the show (ie strobe lights and other theatrical effects), please contact the ticket office at 515.277.6261.
Download Playbill

Company

  • Miss Casewell

    Sara Collins

    Miss Casewell
  • Major Metcalf

    Micheal Davenport

    Major Metcalf
  • Mr Paravicini

    Jim Baldridge Garst

    Mr Paravicini
  • Detective Sgt Trotter

    Braden Hoyer

    Detective Sgt Trotter
  • Christopher Wren

    Nathan Jorgensen

    Christopher Wren
  • Mollie Ralston

    Hanna Kendall

    Mollie Ralston
  • Male Roles Cover

    Alec Norem

    Male Roles Cover
  • Female Roles Cover

    Maida Parkinson

    Female Roles Cover
  • Giles Ralston

    Rich Stevens

    Giles Ralston
  • Mrs Boyle

    Lisa Wiggins

    Mrs Boyle
  • Director / Playhouse Artistic Director

    Katy Merriman

    Director / Playhouse Artistic Director
  • Scenic Designer

    Nicholas Amundson

    Scenic Designer
  • Costume Designer

    Jessica Van Essen

    Costume Designer
  • Lighting Designer

    Amanda Pichler

    Lighting Designer
  • Sound Designer

    Michael Meacham

    Sound Designer
  • Stage Manager

    Cedric Fevrier

    Stage Manager
  • Assistant Director

    Toni Farris

    Assistant Director
  • Production Assistant

    Oliver Thrun

    Production Assistant

Photos/Video

  • The cast of The Mousetrap (left to right) Rich Stevens, Hanna Kendall, Sara Collins, Nathan Jorgensen, Braden Hoyer, Micheal Davenport, Lisa Wiggins, and Jim Baldridge Garst. The Mousetrap is Feb. 6-Mar. 1, 2026, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Brent Isenberger.

  • Suspect or victim? Sara Collins is MIss Casewell in The Mousetrap, Feb. 6-Mar. 1, 2026, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Brent Isenberger.

  • Suspect or victim? Micheal Davenport is Major Metcalf in The Mousetrap, Feb. 6-Mar. 1, 2026, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Brent Isenberger.

  • Suspect or victim? Jim Baldridge Garst is Mr Paravicini in The Mousetrap, Feb. 6-Mar. 1, 2026, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Brent Isenberger.

  • Braden Hoyer is Detective Sgt Trotter in The Mousetrap, Feb. 6-Mar. 1, 2026, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Brent Isenberger.

  • Suspect or victim? Nathan Jorgensen is Christopher Wren in The Mousetrap, Feb. 6-Mar. 1, 2026, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Brent Isenberger.

  • Suspect or victim? Hanna Kendall is Mollie Ralston in The Mousetrap, Feb. 6-Mar. 1, 2026, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Brent Isenberger.

  • Suspect or victim? Rich Stevens is Giles Ralston in The Mousetrap, Feb. 6-Mar. 1, 2026, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Brent Isenberger.

  • Suspect or victim? Lisa Wiggins is Mrs Boyle in The Mousetrap, Feb. 6-Mar. 1, 2026, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Brent Isenberger.

  • Who will he be next? Alec Norem is the cover for all the male roles in The Mousetrap, Feb. 6-Mar. 1, 2026, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Brent Isenberger.

  • Who will she be next? Maida Parkinson is the cover for all the female roles in The Mousetrap, Feb. 6-Mar. 1, 2026, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Brent Isenberger.

Press Release

Des Moines Playhouse
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kill Date: Mar. 1, 2026
Subject: The Des Moines Playhouse Presents: Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap
Contact: Lee Ann Bakros, Playhouse Marketing & Public Relations Director, 515-974-5358

CLASSIC AGATHA CHRISTIE MYSTERY COMES TO THE PLAYHOUSE STAGE
The Mousetrap is a Cozy Locked-Room Mystery Perfect for Winter

Des Moines, IA – The Des Moines Playhouse presents the world’s longest-running play, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, Feb. 6-Mar. 1, 2026, in the Marshall and Julie Linn Studio Theatre. Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com and by phone at 515.277.6261. The Mousetrap is sponsored by Banker’s Trust.

What happens when a snowstorm traps seven strangers and one of them is a murderer? In a remote English guesthouse, secrets swirl and suspicion runs high in this classic whodunit from the queen of mystery, Agatha Christie. With everyone a suspect and no one above suspicion, the guests must unravel the mystery before the murderer strikes again. With clever twists, eccentric characters, and a deliciously tense “locked room” setting, The Mousetrap is perfect for fans of Midsomer MurdersDeath in Paradise, and Poirot. Settle in. Someone won’t make it to curtain call.

The Playhouse cast includes Sara Collins, Micheal Davenport, Jim Baldridge Garst, Braden Hoyer, Nathan Jorgensen, Hanna Kendall, Alec Norem, Maida Parkinson, Rich Stevens, and Lisa Wiggins. The Mousetrap is directed by Katy Merriman with scenic design by Nicholas Amundson, costume design by Jessica Van Essen, lighting design by Amanda Pichler, and sound design by Michael Meacham.

The Playhouse mission, as one of Iowa's largest and oldest producing theatres, is to create extraordinary, shared experiences through live theatre. Located at the 42nd Street exit of I-235, the theatre has presented a full season of shows since 1919 and also offers a wide variety of educational experiences including classes for ages 4 to adult, theatre trips to New York, and volunteer opportunities onstage and backstage. 

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap Performances
Feb. 6-Mar. 1, 2026
7:30 PM Wednesdays-Saturdays
2:00 PM Saturdays & Sundays (No 2:00 PM show Saturday, Feb. 7)

The IRIS Sensation Team will provide audio description on Sunday, Mar. 1. Closed captioning is available at each performance. The Playhouse can provide for those who have the need for ASL translation with advanced notice. These services are free and reasonable accommodations will be made. Requests should be made through The Playhouse ticket office.

The Mousetrap Tickets 
Tickets start at $29
To purchase: Dmplayhouse.com, 515.277.6261, or Des Moines Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St, Des Moines, IA 50312
Ticket office hours: Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesdays-Fridays, and 90 minutes prior curtain on show days

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Show Credits

By Agatha Christie • The Mousetrap is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French Inc, www.concordtheatricals.com

Sponsored by

  • Bankers Trust