Drama class kills murder mystery production
A murder unfolded on the CVHS campus, or so it seemed. In a thrilling twist of theatrical deception, the advanced drama students transformed the school cafeteria into a stage of intrigue and suspense during their annual murder mystery event. From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sept. 26, guests were treated to a lively production of Don Zolidis’ “How to Get Away With a Murder Mystery,” a play that blurred the lines between audience and actor.
Upon entering, attendees were ushered through the cafeteria doors into a banquet-style setup, where they were free to mingle with the roaming cast of in-character actors. The evening kicked off with two student narrators taking the stage, setting the tone for a series of mini-plays that explored various murder mystery scenarios. Each scene featured a fresh cast and a new setting, from a blackmailed senator’s office all the way to a whimsical Cirque Du Soleil-inspired act.
Even during scene transitions, the entertainment didn’t stop. Guests enjoyed witty banter between the narrators and the “dead body,” played by student Harper Kiely.
“I really enjoyed working on this show! The premise in itself was entertaining, and my role gave me a unique ability to interact with the audience and laugh together,” said Kiely regarding the production. “I had a lot of fun with developing my character outside of the lines on the page. I’m looking forward to the next productions we have lined up!”
The final scene introduced a twist: a second murder had occurred, and the audience themselves were tasked with solving it. The victim? The circus butler. The culprit? That was for the guests to uncover. Attendees were encouraged to scout the cafeteria, searching for clues at various stations and interacting with roaming characters. Sweet treats like cheesecake slices and assorted confectionaries added a delicious touch to the detective work.
Working in table groups, guests pieced together evidence, ranging from anagrams to deciphering codes in poems, ultimately submitting their verdicts into a raffle box. As the play resumed, suspense built until the shocking reveal: the original “dead body” had committed the second murder all along.
To cap off the evening, raffle participants were rewarded for their sleuthing skills with gift cards, adding a fun incentive to the immersive experience. The event was a resounding success, showcasing the talent and dedication of CVHS’s advanced theater students.
With such a “killer” performance, anticipation is already building for the rest of the school year’s productions. One thing’s for sure, CVHS knows how to put on a show that keeps everyone guessing.