Clever mystery comes together despite challenges

By DAVID COLBURN

News editor

If there’s a calabash pipe, it must mean a mystery is afoot, and indeed, there will be Friday and Saturday when Marion High School presents “Register Here,” a melodramatic whodunit by David Meyer.

“It takes place in a dilapidated inn called Moss Manor,” director Janet Killough said. “The inn is full of people seeking refuge from a storm. The storm is raging, and at the height of the storm a murder takes place.”

A cast of 20 seasoned and novice actors spend the bulk of the play gathering suspects and reconstructing the crime, all with an edge of farcical humor.

“You find out who the murderer is in the last minute through a strange twist of events,” Killough said.

Rather than having male and female leads, Meyer’s play utilizes an ensemble cast with numerous members playing principal roles.

Anchoring the cast are seniors Bailey Baker, Devin Hamm, Caleb Hett, Alli Molleker, Austin Neufeld, Kyle Pierce, and Colin Williams.

“We also have some that have never been on the stage before, so it’s nice the program is sustaining itself,” Killough said.

To avoid conflicts with evening and weekend activities, practices have been mostly before school at 6:30 a.m. Killough said snow days and sickness also have hampered rehearsals, but the play is coming together well.

“They’re very dedicated,” she said. “It’s been very difficult this year, but they’re troopers. The kids really love the stage. I couldn’t ask for a better group of kids.”

Cast and crew have gotten a boost from two faithful Killough assistants.

“Mary Griffith and Donna Hanschu are marvelous moral support,” Killough said. “They come watch rehearsals and give the kids tremendous moral support. They also help with makeup.”

The crew includes Lindsey Sigel as stage manager, Logan Waner running lights, and Drew Helmer overseeing sound. Sherry Hess has been working on costuming.

Chris Killough, Chris Sprowls, Kerry Kelsey, and David Mayfield built the set.

“It used to be the construction class did that for us, and it’s hard to find people to donate their time,” Killough said. “I found four great ones.”

Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Performing Arts Center, with doors opening at 6 p.m. Tickets are $3 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under and are available only at the door.