A murder mystery will play out on the stage at Wilber-Clatonia this weekend, as the senior class presents “The Crimson House Murder.”
For some actors, being in front of a crowd is nothing new. For others, this is the first time they’re been on stage.
Madison Vogel, who plays actress Fay Strange, is one who hasn’t performed on stage before.
“It’s been a lot of fun. It’s one last thing I get to do with my class,” she said.
Delaney Mazza, who is mystery writer Anguish Crispie, said it’s been fun to watch the cast from the beginning of rehearsals to now. She is also new to the stage and said it was out of her comfort zone. This production has an extra benefit for her, though.
“My mom is working on it, too, so it’s been a bonding experience,” she said.
Her mom is assistant director Kris Mazza.
It’s been awhile since Tatiana Meza has performed – fifth grade, she said. She plays Nurse Payne, a stern nurse “who takes her job too seriously,” she said.
She said everyone started out outside their comfort zones, but a play like this is “a non-judgmental area to be in.”
Lena Eschiti and Stone Thelen are accustomed to spotlights. Both have performed in WCHS’s one-act plays and competed in speech.
Eschiti plays Marie Palegrave, “an eccentric who loves bugs and plants,” she said. Having the experience with speech has made her more comfortable performing.
“It’s fun to see it all come together, to see all the cast learn their lines and be more confident and comfortable,” she said.
Thelen is Hercules Porridge, “a kid who’s trying to be like his dad,” he said. Acting on stage is like performing speeches, where you convey meaning through gestures and tone, he said.
He was excited to be cast as Hercules, the lead detective in the murder case.
All five said the audience should watch what’s happening in the background on stage.
“Watch the maid,” was Thelen’s advice.
“Pay attention to everything,” Meza said.
“There are so many fun characters and quirks,” Eschiti said. “Watch for details. They all do their own thing.”
Thelen said he wouldn’t have had as much fun with this play if the cast were different.
“I wouldn’t enjoy it as much with different people,” he said.
