The Community Theatre of Howell’s production of Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” will be performed Feb. 3-5, and Feb. 10-12 at the Howell High School Freshman Campus, 1400 W. Grand River Ave. in Howell. Tickets are $16 for seniors and students, and $18 for adults. Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, as well as 2 p.m. Sunday on the weekends of Feb. 3-5 and Feb. 10-12.
For tickets, click here.
Join CTH for a thrill ride of mystery and adventure aboard the famous Orient Express as it journeys through the snow-capped mountains of Eastern Europe, when, just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks; in the morning an American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed eight times, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to stop the murderer – in case they decide to strike again.
From now until opening night, we’ll be introducing you to members of the cast. In today’s story, we meet Jackson Manning of Howell, a recent graduate of Michigan State University (acting major), sales associate, aspiring voice actor, website designer and digital artist.
How did you first become involved with CTH? How many shows have you been involved with?
I first hopped on the CTH train when I was a junior in high school. My very first show was “A Few Good Men,” where I got to play Lance Corporal Dawson. My sisters had been previously involved with CTH in other shows, but before “A Few Good Men” I never really processed theatre as a thing I could do.
When the director reached out to me to ask me to audition, I originally couldn’t because I had a swim meet that day. However, she stayed a couple hours after and let me audition after my meet! It was fun because I got to yell a lot, although I worry it may typecast me as the guy who screams at everyone! Since that show, I’ve been in about 16 shows here at CTH and I always enjoy it!
What do you like most about being involved with CTH?
My favorite thing about CTH is how close everyone is. You meet a lot of people and those people tend to stick around. I’ve made some lifelong friends here and I’m so grateful. You never have to get too sad when a show ends because you know you’ll see those people again soon.
It’s such a tightly knit community and I know these people will always have my back during a show. It’s exciting getting to see old friends and even new people showing up to audition! This has always been my safe place and I’m happy to have been a part of this community for so long.
What do you like about the show “Murder on the Orient Express?”
This show is absolutely thrilling! I’ve always loved a good murder mystery and this show knocks it out of the park! I have never had the chance to be in one, so this is really special to me.
The set is fascinating; it’s something you have to see for yourself. It consists of train cars that can split apart and rotate away for a different train car. It makes you feel like you are on a train experiencing this all for yourself! There are many twists and turns and even a few jump scares. I haven’t done a show like it!
Tell us about your role in the show and why you like it?
So, in this show I am the guy who screams at everyone. My role is Colonel Arbuthnot, who is an angry, Scottish former military man. I don’t want to reveal too much about him, but he’s a guy with a few secrets.
I think my favorite thing about playing him is getting to use a Scottish accent. I love doing accents so the fact that I get the chance to do my favorite one here is the icing on the cake! Also I get to yell at everyone, it’s not something I do often, so getting a chance to put aside my meekness for a louder, tougher front is another thing I enjoy about this character.
What can the audience expect when they come to see the show?
Prepare to be thrilled! That is mostly what I have to say about that. It’ll have you on the edge of your seat. It’s tense and unnerving with a little bit of comedy. It’s a very fun show, and a great getaway for those who need a little bit of entertainment for the weekend. We hope to see you there!
