Agatha Christie’s 'Murder on the Orient Express' is coming to The Barnstormers Theatre

TAMWORTH — A luxurious train, an enormous snowdrift, and a murdered American tycoon set the stage for The Barnstormers Theatre’s annual Agatha Christie presentation, "Murder on the Orient Express." The witty and fast-paced adaptation by Ken Ludwig runs Aug. 6-15.

The production is directed by longtime Barnstormer Blair Hundertmark, who has led productions of many favorites including last season’s Agatha Christie-inspired world premiere, "Front Row To Murder." Hundertmark believes that the story of "Murder on the Orient Express" is timeless.

“Agatha Christie is a master. The success of this story lies in the truth and reflection of humanity she unveils,” Hundertmark said. “And, of course there is the difficult question she leaves detective Hercule Poirot and all of us with: What is justice?”

Hercule Poirot will be played by Andrew Sellon, who audiences may remember in a very different role: the hapless Dr. Einstein in 2023’s "Arsenic and Old Lace." Sellon has played Poirot twice before, including a twice-extended sold out run at the renowned Old Globe Theater in San Diego — the best-selling non-musical production in the company’s 90-year history.

“I’m so excited to revisit Hercule Poirot with this wonderfully talented group,” Sellon said. “I love the process of creating shows at this historical gem of a theater. It’s like stepping back in time in the best way possible. The focus at Barnstormers is always right where it should be: On simplicity, camaraderie, and telling the story well for our audience ... and this is one heck of a story.”

Among the performers joining Sellon on stage are several 2026 New Hampshire Theatre Alliance Award winners from last year’s hit season opener "Something Rotten": Ryan Halsaver (Colonel Arbuthnot/Samuel Ratchett), Mary McNulty (Mary Debenham), and Rachel Alexa Norman (Helen Hubbard). Lisa McMillan (Princess Dragomiroff) took home Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role for "Front Row to Murder."

The ensemble also includes Steve Barkhimer (Monsieur Bouc), Taylor Congdon (Gretta Ohlsson), Kate Fitzgerald (Countess Andrenyi), Joe Mucciolo (Michel the Conductor/Head Waiter), and Giovanni Valforte (Hector MacQueen).

On the production side, Director Hundertmark, whose "Front Row to Murder" took home a Broadway World New Hampshire Award for best new play in 2025, is joined by other recent award winners. Travis McHale (scenic designer) won the NHTA for lighting ("Something Rotten") and Alison Pugh (costume design) took home the top prize for costumes in her designs for "Front Row to Murder."

In addition, the team consists of Peggy Samuels (stage manager), Jenn Gallo (assistant stage manager), Kevin Dunn (lighting designer), and Sean McGinley (sound designer).

Tickets for Agatha Christie’s "Murder on the Orient Express" and all of the summer productions are available at barnstormerstheatre.org or by calling 603-323-8500.