One ominous night, six supposed strangers–alongside a butler and a maid–are brought together for a dinner party on account of someone named Mr. Boddy. Soon after dinner is served, bodies start dropping left and right, and it is up to the guests to determine who the killer is. This is the story of Clue, the board game which was adapted into a movie and play.
Quince Orchard High School’s drama department is known to be outstanding, and this year’s fall play was no exception. Their production of Clue debuted November 3rd, and closing night took place on November 10th. The cast is made up of 17 talented students: 9 main characters (portrayed by 10 actors) and 7 members of ensemble. The crew is much larger, made up of approximately 40 students. Crew is divided into several sects; hair and makeup crew, stage crew, costumes, lighting, audio, and video. It is critical that these divisions work together in order to deliver a great show.
I had the opportunity to talk to several cast and crew members before and after the show to gain a better understanding of the work that they do. Senior Anthony Marin is the stage manager, and he played a critical role in the success of the production. “I’m in charge of all the crew and tech, and I just make sure that everything that happens on the stage happens the way it should,” Marin said. He has participated in the school’s theatre program since his freshman year.
“There are a lot of small moments that have a lot of meaning,” Marin said, describing his favorite aspects of theatre. “Yesterday, we had a dance party for an hour in the paint room, and we just do a lot of harmless, fun things that make you feel like you belong.” Evidently, there is a sense of kinship among the students in theatre.
Senior Lilia Karapetyan is one of two actresses portraying Mrs. White, a widow with five late husbands and a suspicious connection to the housekeeper. “I’m both excited and nervous,” said Karapetyan before the show. “At least for me, every show I do, I get nervous before I go on. But it’s good, because I think it makes you act better and [be] more aware of your surroundings and the scene.” She dons all black to depict Mrs. White and wears her hair in a sharp, black bob. All of the characters have very distinctive looks to match their eccentric personalities.
These characteristic looks are thought up by hair and makeup. Fatima Jafri is one of the hair and makeup leads. She greatly enjoys experimenting with different styles for characters and engaging in the creative process that is central to being a part of hair and makeup crew. “I like coming up with the designs for the characters and also spending time with the crew and bonding,” Jafri said.
Besides Mrs. White, the party is made up of guests Colonel Mustard, Mrs. Peacock, Ms. Scarlet, Mr. Green, and Professor Plum. There is an abundance of one-liners and wisecracks throughout the show.
“It’s a great mix of a murder mystery and a comedy,” Karapetyan said. The audience seemed to enjoy it immensely as well. As the show wraps up, these students have a lot to be proud of. However, there is little time to rest before preparations for the spring musical begin!
Article by MoCo Student staff writer Ayesha Shahzad of Quince Orchard High School