A murder has taken place and there are eight suspects. Now the only question is, who dunnit?

The Vicksburg Theatre Guild is set to perform the “The Mouse Trap,” a play “in which one murder takes place on stage and another is threatened,” director Paul Ballard said.

Written by Agatha Christie for the Royal family in 1947, Ballard said, he chose the “The Mouse Trap” in an effort to add variety to the guild’s performance season.

“I began considering possibilities for this season and it occurred to me that a murder mystery would contribute some variety,” Ballard said.

“Agatha Christie immediately came to mind so I sought out possibilities from Amazon,” he said.

“The Mouse Trap” was selected, Ballard said, because of its suitability for the stage and it has never before been performed on the VTG stage.

Set in a Manor House outside London, the play begins with Giles and Mollie Ralston, the new young owners of the property, preparing for their houseguests.

The weather progressively worsens as each guest arrives, ultimately trapping them in the home.

And then what transpires is where the mystery begins.

“Each guest is quite a character and each in his own way presents a likely suspect for the murderer,” Ballard said.

And with a surprise ending, up until the last page of dialogue because everyone is a suspect, Ballard said, “Any of the seven could be either the murderer or the final victim.”

Ballard said he has enjoyed directing the show and working with the actors.

“The cast has been a delight to work with. Each has approached his character with the intent of interpreting the character with authenticity and interest.  They feed off each other’s energy and this makes the show highly entertaining,” he said, “And I believe our audiences will really appreciate the breadth of talent and the uniqueness of this production— set, lighting, costumes, etc.”

“The Mouse Trap” is the longest playing show in history, Ballard said, but it’s not to be confused with Vicksburg’s own “Gold In The Hills,” he said, which is recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records’ as the longest-running show.

The difference between the two, Ballard said, is “Gold in the Hills” runs discontinuously (not every week or month), while the “The Mouse Trap” has been produced in London since 1952.

“I believe the longevity owes to the brilliant characterizations and careful dialogue, and of course, the surprise ending,” Ballard said, which after the show the audience is cautioned not to reveal the ending to anyone else!

“The Mouse Trap” is set to open a 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1 at the Parkside Playhouse Theatre, 101 Iowa Blvd. Performances will also be offered at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2, 7,8 and 9 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 3 and 10. Tickets are $15, $10 for ages 65 and older and $8 for ages 12 and younger and are available at the door or online at www.showclix.com/events/10243. For more information, visit http://vicksburgtheatreguild.com/documents/2018-2019/mousetrap/mousetrap.htm.