<p>The cast of "The Mousetrap" includes (left to right and back to front) Robert Kratz, Ami Ericson, Harrison Kaiser, Tatjana Queener, Steele Fleisher, Phil Gregg, Karen Martin and Richard Coon. Submitted photo</p>

TILLAMOOK – The Tillamook Association for the Performing Arts (TAPA) has cast its upcoming production of Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap,” which will be performed starting Jan. 20.

Playing the newlywed owners of Monkswell Manor bed and breakfast are Robert Kratz and Ami Ericson. Shortly after the play begins, Monkswell Manor is visited by guests portrayed by Harrison Kaiser, Karen Martin, Richard Coon, Tatjana Queener and Phil Gregg. In typical Agatha Christie style, the audience is then introduced to a sleuth, and in this case the sleuth is portrayed by Steele Fleischer.

“The Mousetrap” was initially performed as a radio play in 1952 and was broadcast under the working title “Three Blind Mice.” The radio play had been commissioned in 1947 by Queen Mary, who was a Christie fan. The 45-minute play was based on a short story of a true event on which Christie had been working; however, audience reaction was so positive that Christie went back to work on the script, elaborating on it, and with its first performance Oct. 6, 1952, “The Mousetrap” became a stage play. After a seven-week tour, the play opened in London at The Ambassadors Theatre Nov. 25, 1952. The play transferred to St. Martin’s Theatre March 23, 1974, and has been running there ever since. “The Mousetrap” has broken several records for its continuous theatrical run since its opening, and it is estimated that more than four million people had seen the play by the time its 25 year anniversary was celebrated in 1977. As of Oct. 13, 2011, it had clocked up a record-breaking 24,537 performances, with the play still running at St Martin’s Theatre. By tradition, at the end of each performance, audiences are asked not to reveal the identity of the killer to anyone outside the theater, to ensure that the end of the play is not spoiled for future audiences. “The Mousetrap” has never been made into a feature film because it is still running on stage.

This is TAPA’s first foray into the 87 works of the “Queen of Crime,” Dame Agatha Christie. Focusing on the British middle and upper classes, Christie’s books are whodunits often set on a country estate in England or during a frightening train ride. The murders are ingenious, often involving a convoluted piece of deception. Christie’s style is almost a genre in itself, with stories rich in taut atmosphere and well-developed characters that work through a story woven in strong psychological suspense, all delivered with her deliberate yet gripping pace.

Taking the helm of this production is fourth-time director Robert Buckingham. In 2009, Buckingham directed his first production with TAPA, the satirical thriller “Murder by the Book.” He directed the chilling drama “The Beauty Queen of Leenane” in 2010 and Neil Simon’s “The Star-Spangled Girl” in 2011. “It surprised us when we recently realized that we had never done an Agatha Christie play,” said Buckingham. “So it was time for me to revisit my favorite genre of mystery and I chose her most infamous play.”

“The Mousetrap” hits the stage Friday, Jan. 20, at The Barn Community Playhouse, at 12th Street and Ivy Avenue, and continues Jan. 21, 27, 28 and 29, then wraps up Feb. 3 and 4. All performances begin at 7 p.m. except the matinée Sunday, Jan. 29, which begins at 2 p.m. Doors open one-half hour prior to curtain. There will be an opening night champagne gala celebration Jan. 20. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. The purchase of a ticket includes one beverage opening night only. Advance tickets and reservations are available through Diamond Art Jeweler’s at (503) 842-7940. For information, visit www.tillamooktheater.com or contact info@tillamooktheater.com