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 this story, we meet Tim Meixner of Whitmore Lake, who plays Constantine Bouc.
How did you first become involved with CTH? How many shows have you been involved with?
My first show with CTH was “Fiddler on the Roof” in 1993 in which I played the role of Perchik. I auditioned for “any role” on a dare from my then teenaged son and daughter, who both auditioned the night before. Under the fabulous direction of Vera Cunningham, CTH’s most legendary Director, I caught the theater fever and was forever hooked. I have since been involved in over 35 productions as Actor, Vocal Director, or Pit Conductor, as well as a few WCTH Radio shows.
What do you like most about being involved with CTH?
I love to see the development of a show take place from a bunch of strangers reading lines to a finely tuned ensemble capable of thrilling an audience. I am always amazed by all of the tech contributions and the incredible effect they have on the final product!
What do you like about the show “Murder on the Orient Express?”
Agatha Christie was a humble and prolific genius of the “Murder Mystery” genre, and it is very exciting for me to be participating in one of her best-known stories. The tech requirements for this production are difficult, and we are blessed with a very fine and capable tech crew and ensemble cast. It has been a blast working with Director George Popovich!
Tell us about your role in the show and why you like it?
I play the role of Monsieur Constantine Bouc, who runs the Orient Express. He is an old friend of the world’s most famous detective, Hercule Perot. He is pretty much concerned with his own welfare first, and then the reputation of his company. I am playing the role with a comedic flare as I see this character as pretty shallow and susceptible to folly. The character plays well against the darkness of the subject matter and I believe it provides a needed and entertaining balance.
What can the audience expect when they come to see the show?
You will be thoroughly entertained by a wonderful story told by a great cast and crew! You may feel like one of the passengers on the Orient Express as you will see and hear about each clue needed to ultimately solve the case with the help of Monsieur Hercule Poirot, the world’s most famous detective!
What do you do when you’re not on stage?
I am retired as of August 2022 from a career in IT which came about after teaching music for a few years in public and private school settings. Afternoon naps have now become a favorite activity along with my musical activities, i.e., playing my trumpet with my brass quintet “Four Old Men and a Babe” and the Livingston Symphony Orchestra, singing, teaching, learning bass guitar, and listening to The Beatles.
I am also very involved and committed to spreading the Word of God through my leadership of the Music Ministry at the Brighton Church of Christ. Spending time with my wife, Becca, and our four beautiful grandkids has also become an important priority in my life.
