Audition Details

ShowMurder on the Orient Express
CompanyStar Playhouse at Stage 74
NotesNo video submissions will be accepted. Mandatory attendance is required for all performances and all rehearsals during tech week: Sunday 3/1/26 through Thursday 3/5/26
InstructionsPlease bring resume, headshot and any possible rehearsal conflicts. Sides will be provided at the audition.
Rehearsal DatesStarting o/a Jan 12, 2026, Mon to Thurs nights starting at 7 pm
QuestionsSend Mail
Show InfoMurder on the Orient Express takes place in December 1935 aboard the opulent Orient Express train, which is traveling from Istanbul to Western Europe. After the train is halted by a snowdrift in the isolated, snow-swept mountains, a man is found murdered in his locked compartment, turning the luxurious train into a confined crime scene where a meticulous detective, Hercule Poirot, must identify the killer from a diverse group of passengers.

Audition Location/Date/Times

TypeLocationDateTime
OpenStar Playhouse at Stage 74
74 Hauppauge Road
Commack
Dec 087:00 PM - 9:00 PM
OpenStar Playhouse at Stage 74
74 Hauppauge Road
Commack
Dec 107:00 PM - 9:00 PM
OpenStar Playhouse at Stage 74
74 Hauppauge Road
Commack
Dec 157:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Roles

RoleM/FAgeDescription
Hercule PoirotM50-70(Dialect – Belgian) The famous detective. Fastidious, thorough and incredibly observant and intelligent. He is both arrogant and humble to a fault. Dignified and occasionally vain, precise and methodical.
Monsieur BoucM50-60(Dialect: Belgian) The owner of Wagon Lit, Orient Express. Bouc is a man with a youthful vigor and attitude. Gregarious, honest and forthright. He puts his friends and customers above profit, although he’s concerned about his company’s image. He is not a match for Poirot in intelligence.
Mary DebenhamF0+(Dialect: British) 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 Arbuthnot.
Colonel Arbuthnot (doubles as Samuel Ratchett)M30-40(Dialect: Scottish) A military man of the old-fashioned type, possibly old money, and used to being obeyed without question. He is strong and charismatic, but also problematic in some of his personal views. Has a temper but loves Mary deeply.
Hector McQueenM30-40(Dialect: American) 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 and wants everyone to get along.
Michel (doubles as Head Waiter)M40-50(Dialect: French (Michel); Turkish (Head Waiter)) Michel - Competent and organized. He 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. Head Waiter at the Hotel – Eager to please.
Princess DragomiroffF60-70(Dialect: Russian) Displaced Russian nobility. Determined, arrogant and accustomed to getting her way. She travels a great deal and holds very decided opinions.
Greta OhlssonF40-60(Dialect: Swedish) A Catholic missionary and baby nurse. Currently she is 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.
Countess AndrenyiF30-40(Dialect: Hungarian/American) In addition to being married to a count (and thus, nobility), she is also a doctor. Beautiful, educated, charming and intelligent enough to match wits with Poirot.
Helen HubbardF50-60(Dialect: American) Not exactly what she seems, Hubbard comes across as gregarious and loud. An American busybody who has been married multiple times. She must be able to sing and do a little dancing. She should also be able to pull off a cooler, more calculated version of this character.
Samuel Ratchett (doubles as Colonel Arbuthnot)M30-40(Dialect: American (mobster – possibly Brooklyn style)) A dangerous and unlikable man, full of entitlement, with a hair trigger temper. A forceful personality who comes across as someone not to be trusted or crossed. Thinks he’s more charming than he is.