Niwot High School's fall production of "Murder on the Orient Express"

"Murder on the Orient Express" is Niwot High School's fall theater production, scheduled to be performed Nov. 14, 15 and 16.

Directed by Niwot's theater teacher and director Amanda Foust, this murder mystery follows Detective Hercule Poirot, a beloved character created by Agatha Christie and featured in many of her works, and a unique group of travelers who come from various parts of the world including Hungary, Russia, Great Britain, the U.S. and Belgium.

The production has two main casts and an understudy cast, all three of which are full of talent.

The casts have rehearsed nearly every day since September. This is not an ordinary play, nor is it something that many of the actors have done before. From learning accents to educating themselves on the 1930s time period in which the play is set, this show has challenged each and every cast member.

Not only have the actors put in an immense amount of work, but so has the award-winning technical theater crew at Niwot High School, led by long-time Niwot teacher Jason Watkins. Watkins' vision for the play's set has come to life beautifully with the help of his dedicated students.

The set for "Murder on the Orient Express" is unlike others, in that it is not a building, but rather a train. Student Technical Director Marik Magginetti has risen to the challenge and successfully guided the set building process for the show.

The first cast, performing on Thursday, Nov. 14 and Friday, Nov. 16, both at 7 p.m., features Ash Kissinger, Maddox Wilson, Olivia DeRose, Elliot DeBusk, Cas Clark, Julia Richardson, Olivia Cesar Cipriani, Tayler Studebaker, Victoria Bernardes, and James Miller.

The second cast, performing on Friday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 16 at 1 p.m., includes Tanner Cole, Camryn Bell, Elyse Prestopnik, Colin Foutz, Marcus Sekler, Kate Nelson, Pali Sauer, Grace DeRose, Prugh Dunfee, and Connor (Ace) Schuler.

The third cast, which serves as the understudy cast, will be performing the play for friends and family on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. The understudy cast features Miriam Lakein, Riot Calnaido, Olivia DeRose, Finn O'Connor, Calvin Shee, Tula Baker, Sadie Sparling, Clara Kerns, Ollie O'Brien, and Maya Rokhlenko.

Freshman Sparling said, "Being part of 'MOTOE' has been an astonishing experience as far as the supportive community, the remarkable talent within the casts, and the sense of accomplishment it brings."

Playing the lead role of Hercule Poirot, Kissinger, Cole, and Lakein have been faced with the challenge of learning nearly 300 lines. On top of regular school work, other extracurriculars, and maintaining a social life, the three actors have displayed masterful acting skills. Kissinger said, "Everyone has been super helpful, supportive, and understanding of the amount of lines, and overall I love the challenge."

Senior cast member Cole spoke about his experience as a first-time Niwot theater actor. "It's been excellent," he said. "I am deeply impressed with the Niwot Theater Department and believe it's an excellent way to grow as a person."

Alongside Foust, juniors O'Brien and Pali Sauer are this year's dedicated student directors. With both having extensive experience in theatrical settings, their contributions have been vital to the creation of the show. Sauer knew from the beginning that the show would be a success. She said, "The first rehearsal was amazing because I instantly knew that this would be a fun and talented cast."

Not only is O'Brien in the show, they are also a member of technical theater. "Being a student director has been so fun, getting to work with actors and help with blocking, direction, and lines has been a dream. It's so rewarding to be able to have the opportunity to learn what a director does, without the full stress of being one," they said.

This show's unique combination of lighting, video, audio, and moving set pieces make for an impressive production much like last year's production of "Puffs," which featured puppets, doors, and an array of props.

Tickets can be purchased at this link, or in the bio section of Niwot Theater's instagram (@niwot.theater). Get them fast before they sell out.