There was nothing cheesy about the Butler Little Theatre's opening performance of Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap" Friday night.

Instead, it was a simple reminder why it is the longest-running stage play. "Mousetrap" had all the characteristics of good entertainment, including an excellent cast who kept the audience in suspense, surprise and laughter during the two and a half-hour show. I didn't look at my watch once — a sure sign of good theater.

It is the tale of murder and intrigue and the lives of six people who are stranded in a guest house cut off during a winter storm.

A huge nod goes to Shirley Ann Minehart for assembling a stellar cast and respecting the classic enough to let Agatha Christie's work unravel on its own without tweaking it.

Minehart obviously allowed the actors enough liberty with their roles that not only were they believable and comfortable, they also were delightful to watch. The eight players expertly crafted the tension and lived it on stage from curtain to curtain.

Sis Fleming did an admirable job portraying the not-so-meek-and-mild Mollie Ralston — wife, hostess and keeper of secrets. She had excellent chemistry with all the players.

Her husband, Giles, was played by Dan McCarty, who also was believable and did a commendable job with the accent as well.

The flamboyant Christopher Wren was played fabulously by Jeff Carey, who is really coming into his own and testing his acting chops with three distinct characters in his past three trips on stage.

As creepy as his Jud was in "Oklahoma," his Wren is equally as creepy but in a much different way. His range of emotions, from being hurt to being sinister and downright cruel, ran the gamut. I loved the hair and the way he baited his house mates.

Sue Switzer's return to the stage as the intensely stoic and rude Mrs. Boyle was anticipated, and the audience was rewarded by a venerable performance.

Katy Wayne reminded the audience of what a versatile actress she is as she donned on the somewhat androgynous role of Miss Casewell. Her facial expressions and body language had to tell the story as her lines were limited. The only problem with the whole performance was the cigarette and lighter she fiddled with from beginning to end, which seemed a bit contrived.

The big personality of the mysterious traveler, Mr. Paravacini, was an ideal character for Federico Scasso, who commanded the role from beginning to end and kept the audience guessing. With equal parts suspicion and comedy, Scasso toyed with the audience and seemed to enjoy every minute of it.

Newcomer Tom Dillon was not only good but surprisingly natural on stage. His Detective Sgt. Trotter was one of the best I have seen. He moved easily, and for the most part, delivered his lines effortlessly.

Dean Weiland rounded out the cast with a cool Major Metcalf, one of the more consistent personalities in the play.

The well-crafted murder mystery, combined with a cast who did their jobs, made for a great evening of theater. No bait needed, "The Mousetrap" is a perfect catch for theatergoers.