MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS Volunteer Spotlight
Two familiar faces are stepping into new roles for QCT’s production of AGATHA CHRISTIE’S MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS. Actor Emmett Frohn, portraying the legendary detective Hercule Poirot, and first-time Assistant Stage Manager Marissa Rabe share their journeys, what excites them about this production, and why QCT continues to be such a special place for them.
Tell us a little about yourself!
Emmett – My name is Emmett Frohn, and I was born and raised in Quincy, Illinois. I am a huge movie and music nerd!
Marissa – I’m Marissa Irene Rabe, and I’m from Payson, IL. I’m part of a family where my mother and siblings also enjoy being at QCT and being involved in productions. This fall, I’ll be entering my sophomore year at John Wood Community College!
How did you get involved with QCT? What was your first show? What was that experience like?
Emmett – My first show was OLIVER at the Quincy Community Little Theatre; I was maybe 12 or 13 at the time. It was my first introduction to the theatre, and it forever changed me. I was absolutely enthralled and couldn’t wait to do more. There is nothing like live theatre!
Marissa – Theatre never really called my name, but in 2023, my siblings and I auditioned for THE HOBBIT, which was such a sweet production. I learned that QCT was rich with a community that loved theatre and bringing a story to life on the stage.
What is your role in/for MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (MOTOE)? What excites you most about it?
Emmett – I am portraying Hercule Poirot. I am thrilled to be playing such a layered and complex character. The challenge of taking a familiar part and making it my own is what excites me every time and keeps bringing me back!
Marissa – Assistant Stage Manager. I’m excited to learn how to work the big stage during a production. I’m also very excited to get on a headset for the first time!!
What made you want to get involved with MOTOE?
Emmett – I had been wanting to do another show for a while, and I love murder mysteries. So, when the opportunity presented itself, I knew I wanted to be part of this production.
Marissa – Quinton [Metcalf], our lovely stage manager for this production, asked if I would help Stage Manage. Since I love working with him and the people at QCT, I said yes!
What’s been the most challenging part of the rehearsal process of the show so far? What have you learned?
Emmett – The most challenging aspect for me has always been switching from real-life mode to performance mode, because my real-life self could never do the things that the other guy has done! Something I have learned through the years is that you absolutely must take care of yourself both physically and mentally during a show. It is so draining on so many levels, and you need to stay cognizant of your well-being.
Marissa – Definitely time. A production takes a very big chunk of time, and it is very hard to balance time-wise. But when you get the knack, you never look back.
What’s something about the process of doing a show that audiences may not know or realize?
Emmett – The number of hours it takes to create it. The level of commitment required from the cast to create their characters and the world they are inhabiting. Nothing just happens; it grows from work and collaboration!
Marissa – When someone auditions, they become a piece of a larger puzzle. With each audition, more pieces are added, and the casting team’s job is to assemble those pieces into a complete picture. If someone doesn’t make it into a show they auditioned for, it’s not because they didn’t give an amazing audition; it simply means that, this time, the piece didn’t fit the puzzle.
Talk about creating the world of MOTOE from your or your character’s point of view.
Emmett – As my incarnation of Hercule Poirot takes shape. I am trying to absorb the sound and feeling of the language. Watching French films and listening to French music from that era. I really don’t like to watch other versions of the character because I don’t like to be influenced by their portrayals. I have many ideas for this role, and I will endeavor to occupy it to the best of my ability.
Marissa – Assistant Stage Managing has been a lot of learning. A lot of learning about the story and accents, as well as learning about stage managing. Between our Director Ron and our Stage Manager Quinton, I have had a vault of knowledge unlocked.
What would you say to encourage someone to get involved at QCT?
Emmett – Do not hesitate! Be brave! You may discover something about yourself that you never knew. Plus, it’s a great way to make friends and connect with others. I have made so many wonderful friends through the theatre. Being a part of QCT has truly been one of the best decisions I have ever made!
Marissa – Take a chance! Who knows, you might love it here!