CINCINNATI ( March 3, 2026) – The curious, real-life disappearance of Agatha Christie sets the stage for MRS. CHRISTIE, now in previews in Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre and presented by the Leading Ladies. The charming mystery, which Broadway World called “sophisticated, smart, funny, heartbreaking and hopeful,” runs through March 29. (Opening night is March 5.)
When Agatha Christie was 37 years old in 1926, she vanished for 11 days, prompting a nationwide search. Then, she reappeared without explanation. The reasons behind her disappearance remain unknown to this day, but Christie left clues behind including in her documented biography. A century later, a devoted superfan emerges to solve the case. MRS. CHRISTIE follows the parallel journeys of Agatha in 1926 and Lucy, the superfan determined to solve the disappearance in 2026.
Playwright Heidi Armbruster, an Agatha Christie superfan herself who has read all 37 novels, blends historical detail with theatrical invention, inviting audiences to consider not only what happened during those missing days but also how Christie’s life and legacy continue to resonate a century later.
MRS. CHRISTIE “cracks open the mythology around Agatha and lets us sit with the human being inside it – brilliant, wounded, funny, furious, searching,” explained Associate Artistic Director Joanie Schultz, director of MRS. CHRISTIE, which is a co-production with Milwaukee Repertory Theater. “Heidi doesn’t flatten her into a legend. She lets her be contradictory. Brave and petty. Lost and luminous. And through Lucy – who represents all of us who love Christie’s work – we see ourselves reflected back.”
“There’s also a tension in the play between Agatha’s public mask and her private self. I’m interested in the idea that the work and the woman are inseparable. Her secrets, her shame, her reinvention — those things don’t exist apart from the books. They fuel them,” noted Armbruster. “Learning about her life gave me a deeper appreciation for her work. Americans, especially, love a reinvention story. Christie’s life is a chrysalis story as much as it is a mystery.”
ARTISTS
Matt Bowdren* Archie
Blake Hamilton Currie* William/Collins
Amira Danan* Nancy/Chloe
Zoë Sophia Garcia* Lucy
Dale Hodges* Jane
Betsy Hogg* Charlotte/Mary
Alex Keiper* Agatha
William Sturdivant* Monsieur
Heidi Armbruster Playwright
Joanie Schultz Director
Se Hyun Oh Set Designer
Valérie Thérèse Bart Costume Designer
Keith Parham Lighting Designer
Thomas Dixon Sound Designer/Original Music
Deanie Vallone Dramaturg
Jonathan Hetler, CSA Casting Director
Andrea L. Shell * Stage Manager
Shelby Scaffidi* Assistant Stage Manager
Madison Stone* Assistant Stage Manager
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
TICKETS
Tickets begin at $37.00. Preview performances take place on March 3 and 4. Prices vary depending on performance. Opening performance is March 5 at 7:30 p.m. Regular performances will take place on Tuesday-Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. A matinee performance will be offered on March 18 at 1 p.m. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Playhouse Box Office at 513-421-3888 (toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana at 800-582-3208) or visit www.cincyplay.com. Patrons who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech disabled: dial 711 to connect to the Box Office via Ohio Relay Services.
EVENTS
Preview Performances
Be among the first to see the show before opening night and save! Preview performance tickets are discounted.
- Tuesday, March 3, at 7:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m.
Opening Night
Share the excitement of the opening performance!
- Thursday, March 5, 7:30 p.m.
Wine Pairing Dinner
$75 per person, tickets sold separately
Wine Pairing Dinner from 6-7 p.m.
Performance at 7:30 p.m.
- Thu., March 12 at 6 p.m.
- Fri., March 27 at 6 p.m. (SOLD OUT)
Join us for an evening where storytelling meets fine wine. Enjoy a curated wine tasting experience where we pair four delicious courses that complement every sip. Mingle with fellow theatre lovers, indulge your palate, and enjoy community and connection. It’s a celebration of everything we love—exceptional performances, exquisite wines, delicious food, and memorable moments. Cheers to a night to remember! Reservation is required 10 days prior to the event.
To purchase a Wine Pairing Dinner event as an add on only (without a ticket to the show) click here.
Agatha Christie Film Screenings
Dive deeper into the world of Agatha Christie with local film historian Joe Horine at the Esquire Theatre. Join us for a movie screening followed by a Q&A session. For tickets and more information, esquiretheatre.com.
- Sun., March 8 at 7 p.m. Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
Buy Tickets - Mon., March 9 at 7:30 p.m. Witness for the Prosecution (1957)
Buy Tickets
Art Talks (Formerly Meet the Artists)
Stay after select performances for a behind-the-scenes discussion with members of the artistic team.
- Sun., March 8 at 2 p.m.
Buy Tickets - Thu., March 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Buy Tickets - Wed., March 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Read Between the Wines Book Club
Join us in reading and discussing one of Agatha Christie’s novels that ties in with the play at our pre-show Read Between the Wines Book Club events. Each one includes wine, hors d’oeuvres and a fun book discussion. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the discussion runs 6:15 to 7 p.m. in the Kaplan Lobby. Cost is $25 per person, per event, which includes the hors d’oeuvres, two glasses of wine and doesn’t include tickets to the play (sold separately).
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
- Thursday, March 19, 2026, 6:15-7 p.m.
Pay What You Can
Pay What You Can performances are an additional way we try to make live theatre accessible to those who otherwise might not be able to attend our shows. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 513-421-3888 or in person beginning at noon, day of the performance only. Tickets are subject to availability.
- Wed., March 11 at 7:30 p.m.
- Wed., March 18 at 1 p.m. (Tickets available for purchase at 11 a.m.)
Audio-Described Performance
Trained volunteers describe the visual elements of the production via a hearing enhancement system, allowing patrons to hear dialogue, music and other sound effects. The description is timed to avoid interfering with dialogue. Before the show and during intermission, show and actor information are shared.
- Sat., March 21 at 2 p.m.
Signed ASL Performance
Each Rouse Theatre production offers one signed ASL performance during the show’s run.
- Sun., March 22 at 2 p.m.
College Night
Join other students who love theatre at College Night and enjoy an exclusive post-show gathering with an artist from the show. College students can purchase advance tickets for just $15 and stay after the performance for a curated discussion with one of the artists — and free pizza! Student ID required.
- Thu., March 26 at 7:30 p.m.
ADVISORY
MRS. CHRISTIE is recommended for ages 13 and up. Using minimal adult language, the mysterious disappearance of Agatha Christie leads to depictions of attempted murder as well as references to violence, infidelity and death. Two characters discuss having suicidal thoughts.
SPONSORS
Presented by the Leading Ladies. Honorary Producer is the Lemmerman Family. Design sponsors are Karen and Bill Neyer. Artist Sponsors are Frost Brown Todd, Geiler and Brooks and Beth Ewing. The 2025-26 Season is presented by The Scheuler Group. Rouse Season Designer Sponsor is Kerry Automotive.
The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the annual ArtsWave Campaign, the region’s primary source for arts funding. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.
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