The Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance invites audiences to witness the detective work of iconic sleuth Hercule Poirot, as he attempts to solve the murder of an American tycoon on the Orient Express.

After a snowdrift leaves passengers stranded, the train is filled with suspicious travelers. But all with air-tight alibis.

Audiences will come along for the ride in ‘Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express’ — a spectacular and timeless who-done-it mystery — during the inaugural production of Wayne State University’s winter 2024 theatre program.

This gripping adaptation from Christie — the best-selling author in the world — was brought to life for the stage by playwright Ken Ludwig. The Orient Express and its travelers are set to station themselves Feb. 2 through Feb. 11 on the STAGE at the Hilberry Gateway.

"'Murder on the Orient Express' is one of the most popular of Agatha Christie’s books, one of the most often remade films, and multiple versions of the play exist — because the characters are fun. They are larger than life, and charming,” said Director Janice L. Blixt, sharing her enthusiasm for the project. “The mystery itself is a mystery, not something easily determined in the first scenes. Add to that Ken Ludwig’s delightful script — really playing on the cinematic strengths of the book — and you’ve got an enjoyable evening of theatre.”

“The design team has truly embraced the old-school glamour of these characters — the wealthy and well-traveled — and brought an abundance of mystery and suspense to every aspect they've created,” Blixt continued. “It’s a truly enchanting show.”

See all dates and times and purchase tickets online or by calling the Hilberry Gateway box office at (313) 577-2972.

Media contact: Iyla Stebbins at iyla.stebbins@wayne.edu

About the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts

The College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts is home to today’s aspiring artists, performers, technicians, scholars, dancers, debaters, entrepreneurs, and communication professionals who all represent the college’s legacy of excellence in our respective fields. The college serves students majoring in 17 undergraduate programs, 10 graduate programs and three graduate certificates through its departments: the James Pearson Duffy Department of Art, Art History and Design, the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance, and the departments of communication and music. From debate to dance, jazz to journalism, and fashion design to center stage, our students create captivating performances, inspire artistic and academic excellence, and conduct innovative research on behalf of our Detroit community.

About Wayne State University

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 24,000 students. Through its multidisciplinary approach to research and education and its ongoing collaboration with government, industry and other institutions, the university seeks to enhance economic growth and improve the quality of life in the city of Detroit, state of Michigan and throughout the world. For more information about Wayne State University, visit wayne.edu.