A note from the director..

In 1934, Agatha Christie gave the world classic Murder on the Orient Express. She not only wrote a mystery, but provided a reflection of humanity. Beneath the elegance of its setting, the wit of its characters, and under the Belgian Detective’s mustache lies the moral compass for which humanity itself questions: what is justice? Agatha not only captured the ambiguity of this subject but also engaged us with its colorful characters and dynamic twists. 

When the opportunity was presented to me, I immediately jumped at the chance to direct this show. I always had a fondness for murder mysteries but it was the combination of Agatha Christie’s work mixed with playwright Ken Ludwig’s theatrical sense that intrigued. This adaptation not only captures the charm and sharpness of the original but propels the material with on stage flair that’s fast-paced, funny, and full of heart. Most importantly, what drew me most is how it explores the space between right and wrong, order and chaos, truth and deception.

These characters in a sense are representations of different people yet also share the same commonality in grief. My hat goes off to the actors who captured a variety of personalities. We get to see not only who these people are as individuals but also what’s drawing them together, for good and bad. What had been so special about doing the show with a big ensemble as it is that their hearts on stage all eventually beat the same. The actors truly provided the lenses to humanity and there’s such a beauty to the madness. Poriot’s journey is not just to solve a puzzle in a densely packed train but also to confront an immoral world.

I cannot say enough good things about everyone involved in the show. Huge thank you to the crew and production team for turning this into an immersive experience and working overtime to put this all together. I of course, I also offer my huge thank you to this tremendous cast who gave me their trust for the material and in return, trusting them to own their work. Lastly, I offer huge love for One Stage for taking a chance with a director who’s early in their development. I welcomed all the challenges and I truly cherish this grand opportunity. Our production embraces both the classic and the contemporary. We cannot wait to entertain both the Agatha Christie fans as well as the new ones who will be seeing this for the first time.

Thank you for boarding on the train with us tonight! We can’t wait for you to enjoy the 2 act journey as we head into our “scheduled” destination!

- Max O. Chang

Production Staff

Director:  Max O. Chang

Producer: Lorraine VanRod

Stage Manager:  Veronica Ortiz

Sound/Lighting Designer: Robert A. Ramirez

Costume Designer:  Liz Nelsen

Scenic Designer:  Stephanie Kara

Sound Technician: Jasminne Ortiz

Lighting Operator: Veronica Ortiz

Carpenters: Max O. Chang, Max Ochoa, Sherman Hom, Ryder Hom, Stephanie Kara, Cordelia Willis, Veronica Ortiz, Tony Ortiz

Cast

Nikki Liv Basas – Countess

Connor Biondi  - Hercule Poirot

Victor Davila - Rachett

Christopher Dean - Arbuthnot

Joey Ford  - Head Waiter

Kat Ibay - Princess

JC Iglesias - Monsieur Bouc

Stephanie Kara - McQueen

Kayla McConnell - Mary

Jessica Schild - Mrs. Hubbard

Yesenia Villasenor - Greta

Valentina Virzi - Daisy

Cordelia Willis - Michel

Act 1

Scene 1

Scene 2

Scene 3

Scene 4

Scene 5

Scene 6

Scene 7

Scene 8

Scene 9

Scene 10

Act 2

Scene 1

Scene 2

Scene 3

Scene 4

Scene 5

Who's Who



Nikki Liv Basas (Countess) was seen previously in One Stage’s recent productions of Pride & Prejudice as Elizabeth Bennet and in Annie as Grace Farrell. Other favorite credits include Beauty & the Beast, Jekyll & Hyde, The Music Man, Into the Woods, The Pirates of Penzance, and Sweeney Todd. She trains in voice with Henry Torres and is coached in singing by Ashley Loren (Moulin Rouge!). Alexandra Silber (Murder on the Orient Express) mentors her in acting and the Kariktan Dance Company is her dance home. She is excited to perform alongside this fabulous cast! Welcome aboard! Website: www.nikkibasas.com IG: @nikki_liv_

Connor Biondi (Hercule Poirot) is an aspiring voice actor and writer born and raised in the Bay Area. This marks his first leading role and he has appeared as Dr. Seward in Dracula and Peter in Stop, Kiss at the Chanticleers Theatre in Castro Valley. Additionally, he is working on writing and producing his own short film entitled Vindictam Ch. 1: The Arrival, and will also be appearing in The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon with Plethos Productions. When not on the stage he works full-time as a Park Service Worker with East Bay Regional Park District. He hopes you will enjoy the show! 

Victor Noel Davila (Rachett) is an actor based in the Bay Area. He started his acting journey in high school drama class doing short plays. Most notably, he performed in a production of “The MF with the Hat in the title role as "Jackie" at Chabot community college. He has also done an Improv Murder Mystery with Plethos productions. Victor is excited for this show and  to continue bringing characters to life in the performing arts.

Christopher Dean (Arbuthnot)  is thrilled to be aboard Murder on the Orient Express with One Stage Theater this season! A native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Christopher grew up immersed in the performing arts, beginning his creative journey as a classical violinist. In 2023, he began his acting training as a voiceover student at Voicetrax SF and recently made his theatrical debut in Puffs! at Village Theater. He’s delighted to continue his artistic journey as Colonel Arbuthnot—and invites audiences to join him for an evening of intrigue, wit, and mystery aboard the legendary Orient Express.

Katherine Ibay (Princess) is thrilled to be part of the MOTEX cast. Kat's credits include Mariya in Uncle Vanya and Victoria in The MF With The Hat. When not on stage, Kat enjoys Austin Powers and baking. 

JC Iglesias (Monsieur Bouc) Is an actor and playwright, former Irene Ryan nominee and is thrilled to bring Monsieur Bouc to life! JC has appeared in various works by Stephen Adly Guirgis, In the Heights, Standing in the Intersection, and Water by the Spoonful. He studied theatre in Santa Cruz and at Chabot College and is currently a student at the University of Arizona. He’s also made several appearances in Chabot College’s Emerging Works productions as an actor, writer and director.

Offstage, JC is a writer, a father, professional driver, sports aficionado, visual artist and a passionate supporter of theatre and the arts. This is his first production with One Stage and he is excited and honored to be part of this production and hopes you enjoy the show as much as he enjoys the craft.

Stephanie Kara (McQueen) has performed throughout the Bay Area for the last 23 years and is tickled to return to the stage in a mustache! Past credits include Alice in Alice in Wonderland: Radio Play (OST), Blue Weasel in the World Premiere touring production of The Great and Glorious Mr. Toad (EBCT), Gloria in Wait Until Dark (Tabard Theatre Company), Mamma Mia (PCRT), new works by Brian Allan Hobbs and Alan Coyne at Play Café, and the Female Narrator in The Initial 2: New Stage video game. Many thanks to Max, Veronica, Lorraine, and Dashi. www.stephaniekara.com

Kayla McConnell (Mary) is honored to join One Stage Theatre for MOTEX! Currently in her final year as a Theatre Arts major at San Francisco State University (SFSU), she holds an AA in Acting from San Joaquin Delta College. Last spring, Kayla trained at American Conservatory Theatre’s San Francisco Semester program, and has been active in the Bay Area theatre community ever since. Recent credits include Rosalind in a touring production of As You Like It with Vallejo Shakespeare; Cunningham in The Last Days of Judas Iscariot at SFSU; and Titania/Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Inferno Theatre.

Jessica Schild (Mrs. Hubbard) is returning to the stage after 18 years! And she couldn't be more thrilled about doing it with One Stage. Previously, Jessica was seen in Stage One Productions, playing Annelle in Steel Magnolias and Suzanne/Admirer/Countess in Picasso at the Lapine Agile. When Jessica isn't performing, she works as a psychotherapist with children and families. She loves dogs, cats, going on walks, and frequenting different coffee shops. She'd like to thank her family and friends, in particular, Sam, Gronk dog, and Rosie. 

Yesenia Villasenor (Greta) decided that she wanted to actress after reading The Crucible by Arthur Miller in her literature class. After graduating high school, she went to Chabot College to earn her Assistant Arts Theatre and to California State University East Bay where she got her Bachelor’s Arts degrees in Theater Arts. Yesenia played Belmira in The River Bride at the Chanticleers Theater. Yesenia is happy to work with director Max O. Chang along with other cast mates. Yesenia would thank her family for all the love and support.

Cordelia Willis (she/her) (Michel) – Cordelia is happy to once again bring her knowledge of murders to community theatre. A forensic scientist by day, she has previously killed (Professor Plum in MCT’s Clue the Musical) and been killed (Mushnik in MCT’s Little Shop of Horrors & Jack’s Mother in Lyric’s Into the Woods) plus reported on killings (Mary Sunshine in Stage 1’s Chicago). You may have seen her more recently in OneStage’s Pride and Prejudice, Lyric’s The Great Gilbert and Sullivan Sing-Off, or on the news taking photos at a triple homicide crime scene in San Jose.

Valentina Virzi (Daisy)  This is Valentina’s very first production, as an aspiring actress, she hopes to be involved in more to come. She is a sophomore in high school and runs JV cross country.

Max O. Chang (Director) is a local Bay Area director with credits such as Yellow Face (Chanticleers) and Once Upon a Mattress (Berkeley Playhouse). Max has also acted and performed in such productions such as One Stage Theatre’s of Beauty and The Beast (Beast), Pride and Prejudice (Mr. Darcy), Masquer’s Playhouse’s Spring Awakening (Otto), and RENT (Ensemble). Max is beyond thrilled to be directing this with this amazing team and he’s looking forward to see this show in action!

Veronica Ortiz (Stage Manager) This is Veronica Ortiz's 5th time working with One Stage Theatre. You may have seen Veronica as Beth in One Stage's production of Little Women or as Mary Bennet in the production of Pride and Prejudice. Other productions you might know Veronica from are Kennedy’s production’s of The Wizard of Oz as the Tin Man. She is very excited to be taking on the role of Stage Manger in the production of Murder on the Orient Express. She hope you enjoy the show.