Friday production of 'Murder on Orient Express' delayed to 8:30

Tonight’s Montana Actors’ Theatre production of Agathie Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” is being pushed back a half-hour to let one of the actors finish a Montana University-Northern Skylights basketball game first.

The originally scheduled game was delayed because of safety concerns for the traveling team in the current inclement weather, creating a slight timing conflict with the start of the production tonight.

Saturday’s production is still scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.

Rachel Van Blaricom is a recruited Skylight and is committed to playing in all games this season, MAT said in a release.

“By slightly delaying our opening time we are able to accommodate her commitments to both MAT and the Skylights Basketball team,” the release said. “The running time of Murder on the Orient Express is approximately two hours.”

Skylights head coach Chris Mouat said he would like to thank MAT’s patrons for their understanding. 

“We are lucky to have such multi-talented students like Rachel at MSU-Northern, and we are so happy that we can work across the campus to find ways for everyone to be able to enjoy her talents both on the court and on the stage,” he said.

MAT Artistic Director Grant Olson echoed that sentiment.

“Students like Rachel are what make MSU-Northern such a special place,” he said. “Coach Mouat and the Skylights team have worked diligently and altered their schedules to make sure Rachel could engage in her multiple interests here on campus, and we at MAT are happy to be flexible in order to support her on the court.” 

The release said MAT will slightly shorten the intermission time on Friday, though it will have extra bar staff to make sure everyone that wants a drink can get one,

The doors and Backstage Lounge will open at 7:30 p.m.  

“MAT hopes that this does not cause too much of an inconvenience for our patrons,” the release said. “if you have previously purchased tickets and this start time causes problems we are more than happy to transfer them to the Saturday performance or to refund if you are unable to attend. Contact us at [email protected] to exchange your seats or request a refund.”