The final scheduled performance of Murder on the Orient Express at Wilkes University was abruptly canceled on Sunday, April 19, after severe weather caused damage inside the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts. The 2 p.m. showing, which was set to close the Theatre Department’s production run, was called off just hours before curtain due to safety concerns involving water leakage and electrical equipment. 

According to a university announcement released at 1:30 p.m., the cancellation was due to “the effects of last night’s storm on the lighting equipment.” The decision came after heavy rain exposed ongoing structural issues in the Darte Center, particularly with its aging roof. 

Cally Williams, a junior Musical Theatre major, explained that the building’s condition played a major role in the incident. 

“So, the Darte is an older building, meaning the roof is old too. When it rained it went through the roof and some got on the stage,” she said. “The main problem was that if we ran the show the water would have damaged our electrical system really terribly.” 

Williams emphasized the emotional impact of the cancellation, particularly for graduating seniors. 

“I feel terrible for our seniors who didn’t get their final show,” she said. Despite the setback, she expressed pride in the performances that were successfully completed and optimism for future improvements. “I do think things will be better next semester… I believe we have had people up on the roof starting to fix it already.” 

The production had already faced challenges earlier in the semester due to similar weather-related issues. Freshman Theatre Arts major Caitlin Barton noted that uncertainty had surrounded the show long before closing weekend.

“It was definitely disappointing, but honestly, we were really grateful that we were able to have any shows,” Barton said. “There had been some flooding earlier on in the semester as well, and there was a b****h of time that we weren’t sure if we were going to be able to have a show at all.” 

Barton added that safety ultimately guided the decision to cancel. “Our technical director did try to see if we could go on, but it wasn’t safe and it would’ve ruined the lights if we tried to run the show.” 

The physical aftermath of the storm was still visible inside the theater the following day. Sophomore Kailey Vogel described the scene as crews worked to manage the damage.

“There were still a bunch of buckets all over the place… and a lot of rags to clean stuff up,” Vogel said. “There’s still some trash cans around to collect some of the water.” 

Despite the disruption, Vogel noted that not all Theatre Department events were halted. 

“It looks like the dance concert is still happening,” she said, adding that while the cancellation was unfortunate, students were still able to complete important academic milestones, including senior capstone performances. 

Other students echoed the emphasis on safety as the primary concern. Musical Theatre major Jacob Cintronelle described the conditions backstage just before the show was called.

“Right before the show, there was a pretty bad rainstorm, and due to just some regular problems with our roof, some of the water leaked through,” he said. “The floor was soaked… the lights were also soaked, and it was just too unsafe to go through with the show.” 

Cintronelle credited the technical crew and custodial staff for their efforts to salvage the situation.

“Our technical team and the custodians did everything they could to mop it up and try to get it dry, but it just wasn’t safe.” 

For many students, the cancellation marked a bittersweet end to an otherwise successful production run. Sophomore Theatre major John Quick reflected on the emotional weight of losing the final performance.

“It was sad… the last show for our seniors, it was very disheartening,” Quick said. However, he pointed out that the cast and crew were still able to perform multiple shows before cancellation. “We were lucky enough to have four shows out of it.”

Looking ahead, students expressed cautious optimism that repairs to the Darte Center will prevent similar disruptions in the future. While some work on the roof has reportedly already begun, many in the Theatre Department are waiting for clearer updates on long-term solutions.

The cancellation of Murder on the Orient Express serves as a reminder of the challenges that aging campus facilities can pose to student productions. Still, despite the abrupt ending, the resilience and adaptability of the cast and crew remained evident. 

As Williams put it, “I’m hoping for the best next semester.”