SEATTLE -- It may be a world away from what Agatha Christie originally conceived, but director David Hsieh's multi-ethnic reworking of The Mousetrap is bound to breathe some welcome life into the old mystery chestnut, when Repertory Actors Workshop, better known as Re-Act opens its production Mar. 25.

If you've somehow missed the particulars of the world's longest running (in London) play, The Mousetrap is set in a snowbound old British guest house populated by an innkeeper, his wife, an architect, a magistrate, an expatriate, a major, a stranger and a detective, one of whom has killed before, and one of whom will kill again!

Re-Act has scored more often than not with its mixed casting of Asian, Caucasian and other nationalities in such plays as The Dining Room and Prelude to a Kiss. Cast members for this production include Caroline Blakeslee, Carl Carter, Gordon Hendrickson, T.J. Langley, Lisa Marie Nakamura, Dave Tucker and Jesse Wine.

The opening night gala is Mar. 25 at 8 PM, and from there the show runs Thurs.-Sat. evenings at 8 PM and Sunday matinees at 4 PM. through Apr. 19 at Theatre Off Jackson, 409 7th Ave S in the International District. For tickets ($6-$12) call (206) 364-3283.

-- By David-Edward Hughes
Seattle Correspondent