All Aboard the Mystery-auditions announced for Murder on the Orient Express at Quincy Community Theatre

QUINCY — Quincy Community Theatre invites local performers to climb aboard for a thrilling theatrical adventure as auditions open for Murder on the Orient Express Murder, based on the iconic novel by Agatha Christie and adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig. Auditions will be held Monday, July 28, and Tuesday, July 29, with performances scheduled for September 12–14 and 18–21.

Set aboard the opulent and mysterious Orient Express, this stylish and suspenseful production follows world-renowned detective Hercule Poirot as he races to solve a shocking murder before the killer strikes again. When a snowdrift halts the train and a wealthy American is found stabbed to death in his locked compartment, every passenger becomes a suspect—and every clue matters.

Ron Ziegler will lead the production of Murder on the Orient Express as guest director. Ziegler retired from his position as Festivals Coordinator for the American Association of Community Theatre after a 40+ year theatre career. He recently moved north again after living for a decade in North Port, Fla.

Following the receipt of his master’s degree from the University of South Dakota, he served on staff at Waukesha (WI) Civic Theatre, Sioux Falls, S.D., Community Playhouse, Orlando, Fla., Repertory Theatre and the Des Moines Iowa Playhouse as associate director, where he was the first artistic/managing director for the Kate Goldman Children’s Theatre. While in Des Moines, he founded and managed the Iowa Fringe Festival.

He is a past member-at-large, treasurer and president of the American Association of Community Theatre, was named an AACT Fellow, and joined the AACT Staff as field services director in 2009. Ziegler has adjudicated state, regional and national theatre festivals across the U.S. and abroad and has directed for theatres in Iowa, South Dakota, Kentucky, Florida, Wisconsin and Germany.

He and his spouse, Kathy Pingel, were awarded the 2015-16 Cloris Leachman Award for Outstanding Direction for their co-direction of the Des Moines Young Artists Theatre’s production of The Hobbit and co-directed Peter and the Starcatcher and Girls’ Weekend for Ansbach Terrace Playhouse in Germany. Ron’s Venice, Fla., theatre production of David Harrower’s Blackbird appeared at AACTWorldFest in June 2022. In 2023, he was awarded the Art Cole Lifetime of Leadership award from the American Association of Community Theatre.

“This stage version of Murder on the Orient Express presents a rare opportunity to bring a classic mystery to life,” said Ziegler in a press release. “It’s filled with meaty characters and an abundance of intrigue and suspense, structured in a way that could only come from the mind and pen of Agatha Christie. The rehearsal process should be exciting and fun. I’m looking forward to helping the cast reveal this terrific adaptation to Quincy audiences.”

Auditions are by appointment only. Interested performers may sign up for a 30-minute individual audition slot on July 28 or 29. For those wanting to prepare in advance, scripts are available for checkout at the QCT box office. Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Character descriptions and requirements are available on QCT’s website.

The production team for Murder on the Orient Express includes guest director Ron Ziegler, scenic designer Seth Campbell, lighting designer Wesley Cone, costume designer Valerie Hernandez, accent coach Erik “RED” Larsen and stage manager, Quinton Metcalf.

Whether you’re a seasoned performer or new to the stage, this i your chance to be part of a glamorous and mysterious theatrical experience unlike any other. Visit 1QCT.org for full details and to sign up.