NANKIN — Mapleton High School Drama Productions is proud to present This Murder Was Staged, a fast-paced, backstabbing, backstage comedy by Patrick Greene and Jason Pizzarello.
It’s opening night of a brand-new mystery play, but just as the killer is about to be revealed, the body of the play’s director falls on stage instead. In that moment, the theater becomes an active crime scene, and everyone from cast to crew to even the audience becomes a suspect.
Audiences are sure to enjoy this show.
“I think the audience will enjoy the dry humor while also enjoying the mystery and twists that the story provides,” cast member Madgie Hartley said.
The production has a cast of 14 students who will be on stage and one student who assists in the sound booth. They are led by first time director Faith Lutz, who is an English teacher at Mapleton High School.
After a year hiatus, Drama is back as a semester-long course and students have been rehearsing and preparing for their roles since early October.
“Not only is it a joy to work with this incredibly encouraging and hard working cast, but it is also an immense honor to carry on the legacy of Josh Olin, my former drama director and mentor who had a fundamental impact on my life,” Lutz stated.
Many of the cast are first-year drama students so they are new to the stage.
“I was hesitant about the idea of performing in front of everyone but the little community we have built preparing for this play has been warm and welcoming,” cast member Kellie Keating said.
“I am very glad that I have had the opportunity to be a part of rebuilding the drama program and being able to perform our play this year.”
The production is also supported by the Stage Design class, led by art teacher Matthew Kidney.
The class of five students is responsible for design and production of the entire set. This year those responsibilities included building 12-foot walls and staircases, setting functioning doors, and painting the set.
There will be two productions of the play. The first show takes place on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. and the second on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Both shows will take place in the Mapleton High School Commons.
Ticket prices are $7 for adults and $5 for students.