Fraser High School students bring Agatha Christie classic to stage
Director Matthew Woods leads a cast of 11 in a production that premieres this week at the Fraser Performing Arts Center.
By Samir Doyle ·
Fraser High School students will perform the classic mystery play The Mousetrap at the Fraser Performing Arts Center this weekend. The production is directed by Matthew Woods, a 2014 graduate of the school who has been directing local theater productions for five years. The play, written by Agatha Christie, features a small cast in a snowbound inn where a murder occurs and a detective investigates the crime.
Woods selected the script because it gives every actor a distinct entrance and a specific role. He noted that for the first 10 to 15 pages, characters enter one by one, each presenting a unique personality that could potentially be the criminal. This structure ensures that no single student is overshadowed, allowing each performer to have a moment of individual focus within the group dynamic.
The cast includes senior Ash Salvaggio, who plays Sgt. Trotter. Salvaggio, 17, described the role as mentally engaging because the identity of the suspect shifts frequently. The character arc requires the actor to adjust their understanding of the mystery as new clues emerge in each scene. The rest of the ensemble includes Rhianna Johnson as Mrs. Casewell, Calen Agnew as Mr. Paravicini, Tyler Anderson as Giles, Noah Woods as Chris Wren, Cam Durnell as Major Metcalf, and Breyanne Stallman as Mrs. Boyle.
Senior Lucy Stewart plays Mollie, a character who transitions from joy to anxiety. Stewart, 17, is a returning student in the school's theater program. She described the role as physically demanding, noting that the character experiences a wide range of emotions and requires vocal projection. She emphasized that the performance is a collaborative effort where every member of the team, from stagehands to actors, contributes to the final result.
Junior Ava Lupo serves as the head stage manager. At 16, Lupo is responsible for coordinating the technical aspects of the show, including curtain operations and set placement. She directs the backstage crew on when to move props and ensure actors are in position. Lupo and her fellow students noted that the production requires long hours and multitasking to maintain a polished appearance during live performances.
Woods stated that the production process teaches students about teamwork and individual responsibility. He explained that while the group creates the final show, each student's contribution is unique and essential. Salvaggio added that participating in theater has improved their public speaking skills and confidence in front of large groups. The experience has also helped them work effectively with others.
The Mousetrap will run on Friday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m., and on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are available through fraserperformingarts.org.
