On October 13, audiences in Pasadena will experience Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” in a stage adaptation that promises classic suspense and bold theatrical innovation.
Ken Ludwig’s version pulls viewers into a whodunit where every passenger is a suspect.
This production stands out for its dynamic staging—praised for its 3D train carriage, revolving stage, and immersive lighting and projections.
Reviewers have called it “stylistic, seductive” and “beautifully adapted for a new generation of fans.”
Ken Ludwig explained his adaptation choice: “I chose Murder on the Orient Express because it was the most popular title and so I thought more people would go to see it… When we did Murder on the Orient Express, it surprised me how surprised people were at how it turned out.”
This adaptation omits several original characters, focusing the story on collective puzzle-solving and moral ambiguity.
The plot remains faithful to Christie’s original, featuring Poirot’s twin hypotheses and the tragic Daisy Armstrong case. This event in Pasadena invites both seasoned fans and new theatergoers to solve the puzzle together.
“Murder on the Orient Express” will run on Monday, October 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Little Theater — Pasadena City College (C 106), 1570 East Colorado Boulevard, in Pasadena. For more information, call (626) 585-7216 or visit https://pasadena.edu/calendars/event.php?eventid=19656my_key_0. Tickets: Free
