The ORR Drama Club will be performing their rendition of Murder Mystery at the Murder Mystery at 7:00 pm from November 20 to November 22, with a final showing at 2:00 pm Sunday, November 23.
The fast-paced comedy play was originally written by Brian D. Taylor in 2013 following rehearsing actors suddenly embroiled in a murder mystery. Hence, a Murder Mystery at the Murder Mystery.
In choosing this play, Director Brayden Fanti said, “My absolute favorite genre of theatre is farce, because I genuinely love creating the controlled chaos. This is a genre we’ve tackled before, but I felt this show takes it up to a fresh and new level that these students have not had the chance to perform before. And it’s a whole lot of fun.”
For their favorite part, Assistant Director Vanessa Medieros said, “My favorite part of Murder Mystery at the Murder Mystery is the subtle comedic timing in the character dialogue. It’s been so much fun watching the students thrive and bring their roles to life. Their unique traits create a wonderfully cohesive comedy, and it’s been a joy to experience.”
In terms of challenges faced in production, Stage Manager Max Chace said, “The biggest challenges we faced had to be getting the quick timing of this show down. The actors’ lines have to flow at a quick pace, and getting the timing of the lights and sound down as well was a challenge, but we did it.”
Actor Lincoln Fauteaux, playing Richard Polk, said of his favorite part, “In a show where these characters are forced to replay the same scene over and over again, the character of Richard matches my excitement and genuinely enjoys every part of this show no matter how many times he has to do it.”
Actor Amanda Tomasso, playing Ms. Polly, when asked for some behind-the-scenes details of the play, said, “The best part of watching this show behind the scenes is seeing the whole thing coming together from scratch. Watching actors at the very beginning, grinding to learn their lines, and seeing where they are now. Thinking about where the set started, and what it looks like now. That is my favorite part.”
Finally, when asked what he wanted audiences to walk away with, Director Brayden Fanti said, “More than anything, I want the audience to be able to forget about the outside world for just a night and lose themselves in this whacky show. It is a wild production that absolutely doesn’t take itself too seriously and allows the cast and crew to just have fun. That is a brilliant lesson that any audience member can take home with them.”
To witness the “controlled chaos” for yourself, as well as these truly talented and dedicated performers and crew in their element, you can see Murder Mystery at the Murder Mystery this weekend at ORR.
Pre-Show Interviews
By Sam Bishop