Since its premiere Jan. 23, Sunset Playhouse’s latest show, “Murder on the Nile,” has kept audiences guessing from start to finish.

Based on the 1937 novel “Death on the Nile” by crime writer Agatha Christie, “Murder on the Nile” takes viewers down the Nile River on a cruise ship and leaves them right in the middle of a murder mystery. Its last performance is Sunday, Feb. 9, so there is still time for Marquette theatergoers to catch this show before it leaves port.

Although Christie adapted her novel to write the “Murder on the Nile” script, there are distinct differences between the two. For instance, some characters are more fully developed in one and not the other, while others disappear altogether. The play features a wide variety of travelers including a stuck-up British aunt and her niece; newlyweds Kay and Simon; Kay’s uncle Canon Pennefather; Simon’s ex-fiancée Jackie; the German Dr. Bessner; a cynical sociologist; and a French maid servant.

“Audiences can expect a very typical Agatha Christie mystery which includes a cast of characters, each with their own motives for murder,” director Carol Dolphin said. “Everyone misses on guessing the culprit.”

As the plot thickens, audiences discover more information about each character and the connections between them. Tensions arise among the characters as their secret agendas are discovered. Dr. Bessner is out for vengeance against Kay’s father, whose company forced Bessner’s city into poverty. Kay and Simon have their own issues with money and the not-so-fairy tale way in which their relationship began. Jackie also stirs up some drama as the stereotypical crazed ex still in love with her former fiancée, and who could forget about Pennefather, a holy beggar on a mission to get others to fundraise for his own projects.

After two of the characters are eliminated, audiences are left to wonder who is responsible for the murders. Before the police arrive and take over, Pennefather appoints himself as detective.

“There is always a lot of discussion among the audience at intermission on who did it,” actress Ruth Arnell said. “They never know what will happen next.”

Arnell plays Kay, who is known for being very wealthy, but no one knows if she actually has a job. Arnell said she enjoys playing Kay because she is so different from her own personality.

“I am more of a shirt and jeans kind of person, so it’s fun to play someone in big extravagant gowns,” Arnell said. “Kay is charming, but has her flaws and is oblivious to class differences.”

Arnell became interested in performing at a young age and went on to graduate from Carroll College with Bachelor of Arts degrees in both English and theater.

“You can’t expect success in theater right away,” Arnell said. “Like any other job, some parts are glamorous, some are not.“

Arnell got her start with Sunset Playhouse when their Artistic Director, Mark Salentine, came to Carroll and encouraged her to audition.

“Sunset is very welcoming and professional,” Arnell said.

Like Arnell, Dolphin has theatre in her blood. Although this is Dolphin’s first time directing a Sunset Production, she has done everything possible onstage and backstage with the company.

Although Dolphin has worked in theater for many years, it is hard for her to pick a favorite show.

“Usually, the show you are currently working on is your favorite for the moment because you become so involved,” Dolphin said.

“Murder on the Nile” struck her interest since she prefers drama to comedies and enjoys mysteries.

“Directing ‘Murder on the Nile’ has been a wonderful experience with the cast and production staff,” Dolphin said. “It is an Agatha Christie piece so a lot of talking is needed to understand the plot. It is difficult to find a way to keep the audience involved with all the dialogue.”

Luckily, the audience stays engaged throughout the play thanks to Arnell and the rest of the talented cast.

“We always had experienced people to choose from in casting the roles,” Dolphin said. “Some actors are very much what I had pictured, while others took their characters in a different direction.”

Marquette students with an interest in murder mystery tales should check out “Murder on the Nile” on its last weekend. While no particular showing is better than the other, Arnell advises audiences to come on a Friday, if at all possible.

“I don’t know what it is, but Friday night audiences always have the most fun,” Arnell said. “They always laugh the most and have great energy.”