Timothy Miller as Colonel Arbuthnot, and Alyssa Porter as Mary Debenham practice their lines during a rehearsal for Murder on the Orient Express. P-J photo by Michael Zabrodsky

Red curtains closed, and the house lights slowly dimmed.

While walking to take his seat in the middle of the auditorium, the director spoke.

All right, from the top – Act 1, Scene 1,” said Jim Foley.

The room went dark, and gave way to a spotlight that illuminated only the middle portion of the Lucille Ball Little Theater’s stage.

Then, in an elated way, cast members began their rehearsal of Murder on the Orient Express, Ken Ludwig’s stage adaptation of Agatha Christie’s whodunnit tale.

The performances are scheduled for April 17, 18, 24, and 25 at 7 p.m., and April 19 and 26 at 2 p.m. For ticket information please visit lbltj.com or call (716) 483-1095.