Related post: Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap: A Classic Mystery Comes to Brownsville
Review: The Mousetrap at the Camille Playhouse
By Agatha Christie
Directed by Brandon Binder
Camille Playhouse, Brownsville, TX
The Camille Playhouse has long been a cornerstone of Brownsville’s local arts scene, bringing classic and contemporary stories to life with passion and creativity. This fall, the theatre turns its spotlight on one of Agatha Christie’s most enduring works, The Mousetrap, a play that has kept audiences guessing for over seventy years. On opening night, the energy in the room was palpable as local talent transformed this iconic whodunit into a gripping evening of suspense and charm.
If you haven’t seen it yet, there are still three more opportunities:
Friday, October 24 at 7 p.m., Saturday, October 25 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, October 26 at 2 p.m.
A Classic Mystery, Perfectly Set
The Mousetrap is a brilliant example of psychological suspense. Set in the isolated Monkswell Manor during a snowstorm, the story strands a group of strangers together, each hiding secrets that come to light after a shocking murder. As suspicion spreads, Christie’s signature twists keep audiences guessing until the final curtain.
Strong Performances and Direction
The Camille’s cast brings this iconic whodunit to life with energy and precision. Sarah Shannon shines as Mollie Ralston, the co-owner of the guesthouse, delivering a performance that commands attention throughout the evening. Jaime Menchaca, as Mr. Paravicini, steals the show with impeccable comedic timing, offering moments of humor that balance the mounting tension. His previous Camille credits include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Grease, and his experience shows.
Under the guidance of Artistic Director Brandon Binder, the production captures both the suspense and subtle humor that make Christie’s work endure. The staging and set design authentically reflect the period, while the costumes demonstrate an impressive attention to detail.
A Tense and Thoughtful Production
The dialogue is crisp, the pacing sharp, and each character vivid. The atmosphere, taut and claustrophobic, keeps the audience alert, scanning every glance and hesitation for clues. When the final revelation arrives, it’s both shocking and inevitable, reminding us of Christie’s unmatched talent for misdirection.
The Mousetrap endures because it taps into something deeply human: how people react when trapped by fear, circumstance, and suspicion. More than a whodunit, it’s a psychological study dressed as a parlor mystery.
Final Thoughts
This production proves that classic theatre can still thrill and surprise modern audiences. Congratulations to the entire cast and crew of the Camille Playhouse for delivering another memorable night of mystery and drama to Brownsville.
Final note: There is some cigarette smoke used onstage.
The Creative Scene 