Its murder at Strathmore High School

Times Reporter 

 

A ‘Weekend at Bernies’ style comedy is coming to Strathmore High School on Nov. 21. ‘It’s Murder in the Wings’ is a comedy written by Pat Cook that is set in the Wings Publishing Company’s Office. Business has been dwindling for the company over the last few years and they are trying to sign Lionel Upshaw, an eccentric big name writer, and his new title ‘Done in.’

“They are trying to get him to sign the contract and they are planning a big party in honour of him. The day of the party they discover that the owner of the company, Mr. Moon, is actually dead in his office,” said Drama/Dance teacher Paula Richardson. 

Richardson said the staff at Wings decide not to tell the guests that the host has died just yet, at least not until the contract is signed because it’s needed to save the company. Moon is in his office and Wings staff members Maddie, Tyrolia, Kitty and Doris decide they are going to ‘pretend’ that Moon is dead in an effort to promote the new play by Upshaw. Everyone else at the contract signing party has to solve the murder of Moon. 

“This script was actually chosen by the students. I gave them two to read and then we decided which one we though suited the students better,” said Richardson. 

This one is a bit shorter and worked a bit better with the time constraints. They have been busy rehearsing for almost 13 weeks. 

The students found their own costumes on a field trip to Value Village and the Strathmore Theatre Players lent the cast set pieces, which Richardson said is always welcome. 

“I think it is going to be a lot of fun,” said Richardson.  

“I like the fact that it has really strong female roles. I like characters that students can be successful portraying and as much as I like students to dig into a character it’s also very beneficial, especially for new actors, to have some stock character to play and there’s some stock characters in this.”

She said there is the has-been big actress who is now a caterer, the greasy janitor, the southern belle who is actually Mr. Moon’s intended but nobody knew he was engaged when she suddenly shows up.

“There’s lots of little twists and hopefully the audience is kept guessing as to who the murderer really is,” said Richardson. 

‘It’s Murder in the Wings’ will be on the Strathmore High School stage Nov. 21 to 24 nightly at 7 p.m.. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at the door, or in advance by calling the school at 403-934-3135.