ST. PATRICK'S HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS THE `CAPTIVATING' WHODUNIT CLUE
Show # 11
St. Patrick's High School Clue: On Stage
Directors:
Caitlin Dubé, Emily Edwards, Fadi-el Saikali, Christina Sangalli and Pamela Williams
Seven murder suspects, six dinner guests, five blood-curdling screams, four dinner courses, three guns, two plot twists and one big classic “whodunit?” mystery. This mystery was brilliantly solved by St. Patrick's High School's cast and crew in their murderously captivating rendition of Clue: On Stage.
Written by Sandy Rustin and based on the Paramount Pictures film, Clue: On Stage takes place on a stormy night in the 1950s at the eerie Boddy Manor. Six eccentric dinner guests, each with unsettling secrets, are invited to a ghastly dinner party where blackmail is on the menu. When Boddy, the host, threatens to expose their unethical pasts, gory chaos breaks loose and Boddy is found dead. All the guests must unravel the mystery and find the killer before the police arrive or they all suffer the same deadly fate.
A beautifully executed British accent and a sarcastic delivery of lines were given by Jamila Qasim in the lead role of Wadsworth, the butler. Through annoyed facial expressions, Qasim's acting captured the characteristics of a villain in disguise; an inconspicuous loyal servant waiting to emerge from a secretive shell. Qasim was ironic and zany through overdramatized convulsions and terror-filled screams during the death scene. Through tone of voice and precise body expressions, Qasim brought elegance and charm to this role and maintained the integrity of the character's uptight and formal demeanour.
The cast did a masterful job retaining the suspense with unison screams, shocked gasps, and terrified tone of voices which provided an immersive and diverse onstage experience. Yami Workneh's Professor Plum and Jerrylin Visperas' Colonel Mustard filled the background with natural movement as they conversed and connected comfortably without drawing attention away from Wadsworth in the foreground. Lucie Parenteau exemplified true dedication in the role of Cook. Lifted and transported around the stage, Parenteau demonstrated incredible concentration and strength by remaining a limp and lifeless body. Hannah Barbe, who played the role of Cop, demonstrated ownership of their character and a fluidity of physical movement.
Sound, lighting, special effects, makeup/hair, costumes, props and sets were exemplary. The execution of layered tech generated vibrancy throughout the show. Depth and realism were created with flashing white lights as lightning effects and sound cues emulated crashing thunder. An ambitious 57 sound cues, 194
mic cues and 111 lighting cues demonstrated the organization and precision of the Spotlight Schemers and Audio Alibi tech crews. Particularly notable, was the special F/X video made by the Mystery Mayhem Makers; a retro element that added charm and sophistication to the play. The mimicking of 1950s black and white cinematography styles, coupled with voice distortion audio, was reminiscent of the once popular 1950s radio and TV shows. Black and white makeup was impressively executed and properly accentuated the highlights and contours of Boddy's face, highlighting the consistency of the black and white colour scheme. The skirt and accessories for Yvette were student-made, adding to the characterization of a sassy French maid. All 55 student-made props, including the infamous murder weapons and the chandelier, added realistic interest. The greyscale paintings were also artistic genius.
Live music resonated throughout the play filling the stage with suspense. The student pit band, Jazzed Up Jury, delivered an entrancing and thrilling musical experience. The band had a beautiful clarity and tone and performed difficult music repertoire with professional musicianship.
Dinner guests, RSVP with caution! Entangled with comedy, mystery, and suspense, St. Patrick's High School's performance of Clue: On Stage delivered a murderous plate of entertainment.
ABOUT THE REVIEW:
The St. Patrick's High School production was reviewed by 35 critics representing six schools. The critic discussions were mentored by teacher Electra Hatzopoulos of A.Y. Jackson Secondary School and student reviews were edited and selected for publication by teacher Joseph Spencer of Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School, who could see only the reviews, not the names or schools of the reviewers.