Holyoke Catholic students prepare for two plays
Date: 1/31/2012
Feb. 1, 2012By Lori Szepelak
Lori@thereminder.comCHICOPEE — A “Season of Murder” is the theme for two murder mysteries being staged by Holyoke Catholic High School students in the coming weeks.
Eva Stockhamer, director of the performing arts club, is once again at the helm as students present “Curtains,” Feb. 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the Veritas Auditorium at Elms College, 291 Springfield St. and “Ax of Murder” on March 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m. at the Holy Name of Jesus Parish Hall, 94 Springfield St. In the event of inclement weather for performances of “Curtains,” a snow date of Feb. 12 at 2 and 7 p.m. has been set at the Elms.
“Curtains” is a musical murder mystery that won a Tony Award on Broadway, according to Stockhamer.
“The humor in ‘Curtains’ is corny, the dance numbers are big, and the era is the late 1950s so the costumes are great too,” Stockhamer said during an interview with
Reminder Publications.
Stockhamer noted the plot revolves around a detective called in to solve a murder at a theater, and the audience quickly finds out he loves the theater.
“While trying to solve the crime he helps ‘fix’ the show,” said Stockhamer. “The music is wonderful, there is a lot of dancing and colorful characters, fun for all.”
The second show is “Ax of Murder” and is also set in a theater around a murder investigation.
“This is a straight play, no music but plenty of colorful characters,” she said. “The plot here is a playwright who is trying to get a cast back together to discuss a new play. The one script he doesn't want them to see is haunted.”
“Ax of Murder” revolves around this haunted script and the actors assembled to perform it.
Students in starring roles for “Curtains” include Patrick Moskal, Monique Desnoyers, Andrea Boraski, Kevin Lempke, and Caroline McHugh. Students in starring roles in “Ax of Murder” include Kristen Fraser, Sam Powell, Jackie Peret, Bobbi Morey, Samantha Dziok and Ryan Johnson.
Stockhamer was aglow when she talks about each production.
“I saw “'Curtains’ on Broadway several years ago and really enjoyed the ‘story in the story’,” she said. “Solving a murder while fixing a show. Good stuff!”
Stockhamer added that the characters are well written and she didn’t know “who did it” until it was revealed.
“‘Ax of Murder’ is also one of those fun mysteries with great characters and a story within a story,” she said. “The play also involves the audience a little bit which keeps them on their toes!”
Individuals working behind the scenes on both productions include Dr. Frank Croke, lighting design; Darryl Geoffrey, backstage management; and Dr. Andy Boraski, Paul Morey, Croke, Geoffrey and cast members of each show, on set design and construction.
A variety of refreshments will be available during intermission for all shows, and a raffle is planned where theatergoers can guess who the killer is of each show.
“One winner will be chosen for each performance who will receive a special gift basket,” Stockhamer said.
Tickets are $14 for adults, $10 for seniors and students for “Curtains”; tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for seniors and students for “Ax of Murder.” Tickets are available at the door, from any arts club student, or at the school.
Stockhamer encourages area residents to come out for a wonderful evening of theater and to support the local theatrical students.
“Seeing a bunch of kids really involved in something worthwhile is a great reason to come and support what they do,” she said.
Stockhamer noted that these two productions also provide a glimpse of the “backstage” of their backstage, as well as the elaborate sets and costumes.
“It’s a good look into how things are done to put on a show,” she said.
