STANDISH — It’s murder. It’s mystery. It began captivating audiences in 1952 and has been running continuously since then, making it by far the longest initial run of any play in history, with its 25,000th performance taking place on Nov. 18, 2012. That makes it the longest-running show (of any type) of the entire modern era.

What makes “The Mousetrap” so captivating? Maybe it’s the unforgettably eccentric and mysterious guests who appear at the Inn. Or maybe it’s the idea of the abject creepiness of being snowbound with absolute strangers. Or maybe it’s the unique ending (which the audience is traditionally asked not to reveal after leaving the theatre.)

Or maybe you should just find out for yourself why Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” has been heralded a modern masterpiece.

Performances, directed by Harlan Baker, take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12-28, at the Schoolhouse Arts Center, 16 Richville Road.

For more information or reservations, call 207-642-3743 or visit www.schoolhousearts.org.