TheatreFest Salutes Agatha Christie

Summer has arrived at NC State, bringing with it warmer days, balmy nights … and an air of mystery. TheatreFest 2016, University Theatre’s slate of summer theatrical presentations, will honor British mystery writer Agatha Christie, also known as the “Queen of Crime” and the best-selling novelist in history.

First up is The Hollow, Christie’s play about infidelity, revenge and unrequited love. When a group of friends and acquaintances spend the weekend at an aristocrat’s home in the English countryside, hidden passions boil to the surface, and a man is murdered. One of Scotland Yard’s best inspectors arrives to solve the crime, but he must contend with the hidden agendas and shifting alliances of everyone involved. Come try to unravel the mystery for yourself June 2-26 at the Kennedy McIlwee Studio Theatre in Thompson Hall. Showtimes are Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

The next presentation is Something’s Afoot, a musical comedy that pokes a bit of fun at Christie mysteries and English musicals of the 1930s. Again, guests arrive at an isolated English country house, but this time they get picked off one by one through a series of increasingly outlandish methods. Will the survivors discover who the murderer is before you die of laughter? Find out June 9-26 at the Titmus Theatre in Thompson Hall. Showtimes are Wednesdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Finally, Tea With Agatha is a unique performance event featuring readings from Christie’s works combined with a catered meal and a behind-the-scenes tour of the theatrical special effects used to bring her plays to life. On Sunday, June 19, Tea With Agatha will take place at 5 p.m. at 1887 Bistro in Talley Student Union, with dinner catered by Rave! Event Services. On Saturday, June 25, Tea With Agatha will take place at Thompson Hall at 2 p.m., with tea service catered by the Lucky Teapot.

Tickets for The Hollow are available online here, and tickets for Something’s Afoot are available online here. You can also purchase tickets for these performances by calling Ticket Central at 919-515-1100. Tickets for Tea With Agatha can only be purchased by calling Ticket Central.