Talent Wanted for "Murder on the Orient Express" Show

Accent - Belgian Analysis: Iconic character. Agatha Christie’s most famous detective. Poirot is fastidious, thorough, a touch ridiculous, and incredibly observant and intelligent. He is both arrogant and humble to fault. He is an observer of people, astute at analyzing why people behave as they do, and firmly believes that most crimes can be solved primarily by observation, psychology, and thinking them through. He values intelligence and the rule of law above all else.

Accent - Belgian Analysis: The owner of Wagon Lit, Orient Express. Bouc is a middle-aged man with a youthful vigor and attitude. Gregarious, honest and forthright, he puts his friends and customers above profit, although he is concerned about his company’s image. He is not a match for Poirot in intelligence, however.

Accent - English (standard)/ transatlantic Analysis: A governess. Anxious, but also cool and determined, Mary has a certain sadness about her, as well as many secrets. She is carrying on a secret affair with Colonel Arburthnot.

Accent - Scottish accent Analysis: A military man of the old fashioned type, possibly old-money, and used to being obeyed without question. He is strong, charismatic, but also problematic in some of his personal views. Has a temper.

Accent – American Analysis: Personal assistant and secretary to Samuel Ratchett, McQueen is a nervous character with a stutter that appears when he is especially anxious. Seems rather new to his profession. Talks a bit too much.

Accent – French (Michel) Analysis: Competent and organized, Michel is the conductor for the first-class carriages of the Orient Express. Handles himself well in a crisis, and is very good at his job

Accent - Russian Analysis: Displaced Russian nobility. The Princess is a battleship: determined, arrogant, and accustomed to getting her way. She travels a great deal, and holds very decided opinions.

Accent – Swedish Analysis: A Catholic missionary and baby nurse, currently serving as a companion to Princess Dragomiroff. She would like to help small children in Africa. Deeply devout. This character may be funny, but should not be played as a caricature for laughs.

Accent - Hungarian Analysis: In addition to being married to a count (and thus, nobility), she also is a doctor. Beautiful, educated, charming, and intelligent enough to match wits with Poirot.

Accent - American Analysis: Not exactly what she seems, Hubbard comes across as a gregarious, loud, obnoxious American busybody who has been married multiple times. Must be able to singand do a little dancing. Should also be able to pull off a cooler, more calculated version of this character with a very standard or even cultured American accent.

Accent – American (mobster – possibly Brooklyn or Chicago-style) Analysis: A middle-aged American businessman, Ratchett is brusque and unforgiving, with a threatening demeanor and a whiplash of a voice. He’s made plenty of enemies… almost everyone has wished him dead. A dangerous and unlikable man, full of entitlement, with a hair trigger temper. Must have a forceful personality, and come across as someone not to be trusted or crossed.

Accent – Eastern European Analysis: likes to be right; knowledgeable and chatty. Professional in demeanor, he is knowledgeable and a bit overconfident. Mystery fans know it’s a cliché, but never rule out the possibility that The Butler Did It.