December 29, 2025
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Branson Regional Arts Council is thrilled to announce auditions for it’s second main stage show of 2026, Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. Directed by Jeremiah Reeve, this stage adaptation of the classic 1934 murder mystery celebrates the glamour of the world’s most famous train ride, the intrigue of the world’s best known mystery writer, and the humor of one of today’s top playwrights.
Auditions will be held at the Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial Street, Branson, Missouri.
Ages 18+
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10th at 6 pm
SUNDAY, JANUARY 11th at 2 pm
If callbacks are necessary for certain roles, these will be held WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14th at 6:30 pm.
Set in the 1930’s on the luxurious Orient Express, the show features 10 actors in unique and timeless roles. The roles will be portrayed on stage as below though they may not exactly describe the demographics of the actor portraying the role.
HERCULE POIROT – The famous Belgian detective is well-known for his brilliant mind and his coiffed mustache. His age is not specified by the book or the play, though he has typically been portrayed on stage and screen in his 40’s-60’s. He commands respect by his presence and can sometimes come across as abrasive.
MONSIEUR BOUC – A bright and spirited man, the younger middle-aged Belgian runs the train line that owns the famous Orient Express.
MARY DEBENHAM – An English governess in her late 20’s, she is anxiety-ridden when no one is looking but can play cool and collected in public.
HECTOR MCQUEEN – A nervous young American in his 30’s. He is the personal assistant to Samuel Ratchett and often speaks with a stutter.
MICHEL THE CONDUCTOR – A Frenchman, about 40, he has a quiet, almost grave sense of humor. He doubles as the HEAD WAITER.
PRINCESS DRAGOMIROV – The Russian royalty is a strong, glamorous, and demanding woman in her 70’s.
GRETA OHLSSON – The Princess’s plain, down-trodden, 30-something Swedish travelling companion who has a frightened sheep-like quality.
COUNTESS ANDRENYI – This endearing and beautiful Hungarian in her 20’s has married into royalty after being a commoner and a doctor.
HELEN HUBBARD – A loud, attention seeking American in her 50’s, she is well dressed, a little flamboyant, and enjoys flirting.
COLONEL ARBUTHNOT – A Scotsman with a Scottish accent in his mid-30’s who is very matter of fact. Doubles as SAMUEL RATCHETT, a middle-aged American businessman who is brusque and unforgiving, with a threatening demeanor and a whiplash of a voice.
Auditions will consist of readings from the script, so no prepared monologue is required. It is strongly encouraged that you attend one of the in-person auditions as interactions with other actors will be integral to the casting process. If you can attend callbacks but not one of the audition times, please submit a recorded monologue to
info@bransonarts.org by Friday, January 9
th.
Auditioners are requested to bring a head shot or other picture to auditions. You are also invited to bring a theatre resume if you have one.
Show dates are
Friday, March 13th @ 7:00 pm
Saturday, March 14th @ 7:00 pm
Sunday, March 15th @ 2:00 pm
Friday, March 20th @ 7:00 pm
Saturday, March 21st @ 7:00 pm
Sunday, March 22nd @ 2:00 pm
Please be prepared to provide all conflicts from January 18th through the show dates. All performers should plan to be available for tech rehearsals March 9-12 and must be available for all performances.
Youth Theatre Showcase at the Historic Owen Theatre!
