Vail Valley Theatre Company (VVTC) announced today that tickets are now on sale for its highly anticipated fall production of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express just in time for Halloween, running October 28-31, 2026, at the Cascade Theater at Grand Hyatt Vail.
Murder on the Orient Express is a popular stage play adapted by playwright Ken Ludwig from Agatha Christie’s 1934 masterpiece detective novel. Ludwig’s clever adaptation boasts all the glamour, intrigue and suspense of the celebrated novel, with a healthy dose of humor to quicken the pace. On a train traveling through Europe, a wealthy American tycoon is found dead in his compartment, the door locked from the inside. World-famous detective Hercule Poirot, who happens to be on the train, must navigate a train full of suspects and solve the murder before the killer strikes again.
Audiences are invited to experience this highly acclaimed work brought to life by another one of the Vail Valley’s talented ensembles, under the direction of a creative team with deep roots in professional theater.
“Agatha Christie’s masterpiece is the ultimate theatrical puzzle, and our talented cast from right here in the amazing Vail Valley is bringing its suspense, glamour, and sharp wit to life in a way that will keep the Vail Valley and our visitors guessing until the very last second.” said Gina Lovell, the production’s Director. “Get ready for the ultimate in mystery and suspense.”
“Bringing Murder on the Orient Express to our Grand Hyatt stage is the perfect penultimate chapter for our unforgettable 2026 season. Our local cast, crew and team of volunteers have poured their passion into recreating the tension, glamour, and intrigue of this show. We cannot wait for our community and our guests to experience this thrilling ride.” said Beth Kuntz, Artistic Director for the Vail Valley Theatre Company. “We’re so grateful to the Grand Hyatt, Discover Vail, Altitude AV, Steven and Loredana Toffler and the Vail Daily for their commitment to the arts and for supporting the Vail Valley Theatre Company.”
Performance and ticketing details
· Wednesday, October 28: 7:00 p.m. (Doors: 6:30 p.m.)
· Thursday, October 29: 7:00 p.m. (Doors: 6:30 p.m.)
· Friday, October 30: 7:00 p.m. (Doors: 6:30 p.m.)
· Saturday, October 31: 7:00 p.m. (Doors: 6:30 p.m.)
This show is recommended for ages 12+. Not recommended for young children.
Performances will take place at the Cascade Theater at Grand Hyatt Vail.
Audiences will be treated to a pre-show experience in the lobby at the Grand
Hyatt. Lobby doors open at 6:00.
PRE-SHOW EXPERIENCE
with The Fabulous Femmes
performing a “Postmodern Jukebox style” set
that transforms today’s radio hits and older classics
into vintage arrangements from past eras.
Patrons are encouraged to dress in 1920s/1930s attire,
and mustaches are HIGHLY encouraged!
Tickets are available now at vailtheatre.org/current-
Cast and production team
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express features a cast and crew of Vail Valley neighbors, professionals, and longtime community performers who bring extraordinary energy and talent to the Cascade Theater stage.
Director Gina Lovell, with a degree in theatre and a great deal of experience across genres, has been involved in theatre in the valley for many years. She leads the Improv workshops for VVTC and recently directed VVTC’s Rocky Road Live Improv Comedy Show. She is a highly creative playwright, performer and director. She is joined by seasoned Production Manager Sandy Apps, Stage Manager Jen Sydow and a dedicated production team.
The cast includes Josh Hall as the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, assisted by Constantine Bouc, played by Joe Pratt. Phillip Gallegos plays Hector MacQueen, who is secretary to Samuel Edward Ratchett, played by Josh McCracken. Additional cast members include Jake Dutmer as Colonel Arbuthnot; Jason Probst as Pierre Michel; Kimberly Manahan as Mary Debenham; Grace Poganski as Princess Dragomiroff; Molly Moffet as Greta Ohlsson; Carissa Lovelace as Countess Andrenyi; Elizabeth Sullivan as Helen Hubbard; and David Gonzalez, Saly Heredia, and Lauren Spaeth in supporting roles.
The VVTC is a nonprofit organization, and ticket sales cover just a portion of production costs. Support live professional theatre in the Vail Valley by becoming an annual member for just $25 or making a donation. Donors receive exclusive benefits including tickets to shows, program recognition, and more, with perks varying by contribution level.
The VVTC is grateful for the generous support of venue partner Grand Hyatt Vail, presenting sponsor Discover Vail, production partner Altitude AV, and underwriters Steven and Loredana Toffler, whose commitment to the arts makes productions like Murder on the Orient Express possible in the Vail Valley.
To learn more about Murder on the Orient Express and the rest of the VVTC’s 2026 season, or to inquire about donation and underwriting opportunities, visit vailtheatre.org or email info@vailtheatre.org.
