Murder on the Orient Express
by Zach Theatre

Jan. 21 - Mar. 01, 2026
Wednesdays-Sundays

All aboard for glamour, intrigue, and suspense! Follow Agatha Christie’s world-famous detective Hercule Poirot as he embarks on a luxurious train journey—only to find himself entangled in an edge-of-your-seat murder mystery when a passenger is found dead in the night.

Commissioned by the Agatha Christie estate, this marked the first stage play to feature detective Hercule Poirot in more than 75 years. This evening of primal murder is an “odyssey and deception of trickery” that keeps the mystery going, and audiences guessing.

Casting for Murder on the Orient Express includes Steven Pounders as Hercule Poirot; André Martin as Monsieur Bouc; Charlene Hong White as Mary Debenham; Damien Boykin as Hector MacQueen; Fernando Rivera as Michael the Conductor/Head Waiter; Babs George as Princess Dragomiroff; Abigail Storm as Greta Ohlsson; Sarita Ocón as Countess Andrenyi; Olivia Dawson as Helen Hubbard; and Scott Shipman as Colonel Arbuthnot/Samuel Ratchett.

“Dancing between the ever-popular murder-mystery and true-crime genres, I’m thrilled to invite audiences aboard a world of glamour and secrets,” said director Lavery.  “With a sleek, sophisticated rotating train set, this immersive design honors Christie’s brilliance while making every twist feel immediate, intimate, and electric. Ken Ludwig’s adaptation infuses this beloved story with sharp wit and buoyant humor, delivering a fresh, fast-paced, and irresistibly fun night at the theater.”

Direction by Jenny Lavery.  The production team includes: Paul Tate Depoo II as scenic designer; Austin Manning as scenic coordinator; Brady Flock as properties designer; Tracy Dorman as costume designer; Anna Fugate-Downs as hair & makeup designer; Matt Webb as lighting designer; Monica Pasut Gibson as costume coordinator; Devon Muko as AEA production stage manager; Sarah Hudson as AEA stage manager; Brenna Bishop as AEA assistant stage manager; Brennah Crowley-Galvin as assistant stage manager; and Kyle Trehern as production assistant.

Age Recommendation: Ages 12 and up

Run Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes with a 20-minute intermission

Murder on the Orient Express
by Agatha Christie
Zach Theatre

Wednesdays-Sundays,
January 21 - March 01, 2026
Kleberg Stage, Zach Theatre
South Lamar Blvd at Riverside Drive
Austin, TX, 78704

January 21–March 1, 2026

The Topfer at Zach | 202 S Lamar Blvd. | Austin, TX | 78704
Tickets  start at $28 and are available at Zach’s box office – 512-476-0541 x1, zachtheater.org.

Special events in celebration of Murder on the Orient Express:

  • Pay What You Wish Week – Wednesday, January 21 through Sunday, January 25, 2026
  • Pride Night – Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 7:30pm
  • Zachademia Night – Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 7:30pm
  • Champagne Opening – Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 7:30pm
  • ASL Performance – Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 2:30pm

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