The James A. Garfield Drama Club will debut its latest production, “This Murder Was Staged,” a fast-paced, interactive mystery comedy, at the Iva Walker Auditorium from November 22 to 24. Directed by Ms. Jackie Lovelace, the middle school language arts teacher and drama club advisor, the play promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats as they attempt to solve a mystery that unfolds in real time.
The plot begins with the opening night of a brand-new mystery play, where the killer is about to be revealed. But in a twist, the body of the play’s demanding director, Sinclair Hemmings (played by David Adair), falls onto the stage. “My character is quite annoying in the best way possible,” said Adair. “He’s a director who thinks everything should go his way, and unfortunately, that leads to his demise.”
At that moment, the theater transforms into an active crime scene, with everyone—from cast and crew to the audience—becoming a suspect. “It’s a play within a play,” explained stage manager Alex Garlich. “Everything starts off normal, but then things go completely off the rails, and the audience plays a big role in figuring out who did it.” With everyone and their mother (literally) having a motive, it’s up to an intrepid detective to piece together the clues.
The script, penned by Patrick Greene and Jason Pizzarello of The Alibis and Rogues’ Gallery, is a comedic blend of suspense and backstage drama. “It’s a perfect mix of mystery and humor,” said Garlich, “and the interaction with the audience really elevates the whole experience.”
The drama club’s cast is already excited about the show’s interactive nature. “What I really like is how interactive it is with the audience,” said Xavier Pinson, who plays Thornton, an overly confident actor. “There are certain elements, like flashbacks, that really give the audience a chance to see the story from different perspectives. It’s just a fun experience.”
Quinn Roborecki, who plays a shy character known as “Jellyfish,” explained his role in the production. “He’s scared of everything and has no backbone,” Roborecki said. “It’s kind of funny and sad; but it’s also a great experience to be part of a show like this, where the audience is so involved.”
Garlich, who also manages the behind-the-scenes elements of the production, highlighted the collaborative effort required to bring such a complex show to life. “Before practice, we get the stage ready: setting up props, cleaning up if necessary. During the show, the crew is responsible for moving set pieces, running lights, and making sure everything flows smoothly,” she explained. “As the stage manager, I stay in the light booth, calling the show through a walkie-talkie, but I have assistant stage managers helping out as well.”
The rehearsal process for “This Murder Was Staged” has been rigorous, with practices spanning roughly two months. “It feels like time flies once you start rehearsals,” said Garlich. “We’re at practice every day, memorizing lines, and the closer we get to opening night, the faster time goes.”
The show will be performed November 22 at 7:30p; 23rd at 7:00 PM; and 24th at 3:00 PM. All performances will be held at the Iva Walker Auditorium.
As for the best time to see the play, Garlich recommends attending the closing night. “Opening night is full of nerves, but by closing night, we’ve settled in. We have fun with it and add some improv,” she said. “Closing night is where you really get to see the fun, spontaneous moments.”
“This Murder Was Staged” promises to be an exciting, interactive experience full of twists, laughs, and plenty of drama. Don’t miss your chance to solve the mystery before the final curtain falls.
