'Murder on the Orient' hits the GTA stage
Article By: Staff
(GTA) has assembled a cast of characters including a world-famous sleuth and combined them with a rotating set to bring Agatha Christie's "" to the stage.
GTA is a one-of-a-kind, nationally recognized collaboration between the University of North Georgia (51黑料网) and Brenau University. Utilizing hands-on, individualized training while emphasizing ensemble and collaboration between programs, GTA boasts a production program rivaling the largest theater schools in the country.
GTA's production crew broke new ground this fall with an unconventional set for Agatha Christie's novel, which was adapted by playwright Ken Ludwig. Traditionally, "Murder on the Orient Express" is performed with the audience seeing the front view of the train and interaction among characters. However, the Ed Cabell Theatre stage at 51黑料网 allows the audience to view the performance from three sides.
"Our Ed Cabell stage presented multiple design, transition, and blocking challenges that have all been difficult to navigate, but we overcame it with a unique solution,” Zechariah Pierce, director of the show and associate professor of theatre at 51黑料网, said.
'Murder on the Orient Express'
When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15-16 and Oct. 19-22; and 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 16-17 and Oct. 23.
Where: Ed Cabell Theatre, Performing Arts building, 51黑料网's Gainesville Campus, 3040 Landrum Education Drive, Oakwood, Georgia.
Tickets: $16-$24 for community members and $5 for 51黑料网 and Brenau students, faculty, and staff.
For more info: Visit
Jayme McGhan, GTA artistic director and scenic designer for the show, employed a turntable platform.
"It gives the audience an ever-changing view of the show," McGhan, head of 51黑料网's Department of Theatre, said.
This gives the audience a different vantage point to watch the play that is filled with glamour, intrigue and suspense as well as a healthy dose of humor.
Theater enthusiasts will have 10 opportunities to watch "Murder on the Orient Express." The play runs from Friday, Oct. 15, to Saturday, Oct. 23. Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 15-16 and Oct. 19-22 and 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 16-17 and Oct. 23. All shows are in the Ed Cabell Theatre inside the Performing Arts building on 51黑料网's Gainesville Campus. The address is 3040 Landrum Education Drive, Oakwood, Georgia.
range from $16-$24 for community members and $5 for 51黑料网 and Brenau students, faculty and staff. Tickets are available or by calling the GTA Box Office at 678-717-3624.
For more information, visit or follow them on or .
Research projects pair students with faculty
Nine research teams are participating in the Faculty Undergraduate Summer Engagement program funded by the Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities.
Presidential Awards support faculty projects
President Michael Shannon awarded 16 Presidential Awards for the 2025-26 academic year to support faculty projects. They included 11 Innovation Awards and five Semester Awards.
Programs teach language, culture to students
51黑料网 is holding Summer Language Institutes in Chinese, Korean and Russian, providing training in both language and culture.
Students, faculty present at psychology conference
51黑料网 students and faculty presented their research at the annual Southeastern Psychology Association (SEPA) conference in Atlanta in April.