A dozen youth thespians have come together to put on an immersive murder mystery at the Lone Butte Community Hall.
Being organized by the 100 Mile Youth Theatre, Murders Crossing is a murder mystery set on an ocean liner in 1923. Sarah Carter, president of the theatre and the show's director, said that despite a few hiccups the show is coming together well.
"All of the kids have been really great and really excited to get in there. I think they've been having a lot of fun which is mainly what this is all about," Carter said. "They've been taking everything I say in stride and really going for it."
Murders Crossings set on the ocean liner HMS Victoria during the 1920s and follows passengers and crew as they prepare for a wedding between two wealthy celebrities. However not all is as it seems and with an escaped convict on board murdering guests, the cast and audience must deduce who the killer is.
Carter said she really enjoys immersive theatre experiences so audience members will be encouraged to dress up in 1920s-era clothing and may be involved in the play itself. There will also be a dinner served by donation, making the production a dinner theatre.
"The audience gets to sit at the tables on the ship in the dining room and be a part of this world. They also get to interact with the cast members if they so choose."
Carter said the cast is made up of five youths with an additional six supporting them behind the scenes. Due to one of their cast members having to drop out because of car troubles, she noted they are looking for an additional actor to help round out the cast.
One of the actors taking part is local artist Jasper Gillis who joined the show after Carter reached out to them. Gillis was a cast member of Beauty and the Beast, Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School's last major drama production, and initially came on board to help out with the set and props. However after a few cast members were unable to commit, Gillis was asked to act as well.
"I said sure why not because part of me, when we were doing the script reading, just kind of missed performing. It's been a few years since I last performed so now I'm honoured to do a role," Gillis remarked. "(Carter) kind of typecast me too, I always get to play the foolish characters who are usually drinking alcohol at some point."
Their role in the production is that of Father, a bumbling priest more comfortable doing funerals than marriages. Gillis remarked their character isn't quite good at what he does, but tries his best in a goofy way.
Gillis will turn 20 by the time the show goes on stage near the end of August making them one of the oldest actors on the stage. They said they enjoy working with the younger actors and mentoring them through the process. Gillis remarked they would have loved to have a program like the youth theatre available when they were a kid.
"It just gives kids a chance to explore theatre and drama. It's very fun to work with a group of people so closely. You're on stage with them, you interact with them and I didn't know any of the cast who showed up," Gillis said. "Over the last few days, I've gotten to know what they like, what they don't like and teaching them how to be more comfortable in expressing themselves."
One of those young actors is Theresa Wetzig who said this is her first time participating in a drama production. Wetzig plays the role of Vivian Rothchild, AKA Susan Starr, a dynamic character with secrets to hide. She added she is very excited to take part in the play.
"It's very pleasant. The people are very nice and it's a very nice environment in general," Wetzig, 14, said. "It's very nice to get out and do something new that's not the usual in your day-to-day life. I am home-schooled which means I don't get out as much as someone who goes to public school, so this is a very nice way to interact with people I've never met before."
Wetzig is excited to receive feedback from the community about the production and see how both her and her fellow actors' performances will change over the coming months.
"There will be a few fun death scenes and it's a very funny script in general so I hope it's very enjoyable for everyone watching," Wetzig remarked.
Gillis said they hope the show goes well and is well attended so the 100 Mile Youth Theatre can run another show next summer. They encourage anyone with an interest in supporting local youth theatre to come out in August and enjoy the show.
"You can feel free to dress up in any 1920s wear that you may have, have a little fun with it, have a laugh and put your detective skills to use," Gillis remarked.
Murders Crossing is on Aug. 23 and 24 with two evening performances at 6 p.m. and one matinee show on Aug. 24 at noon, with doors opening a half hour before each show. Tickets are $15 and will be available at Didi's Boutique and Nuthatch Books by the end of July. Food will be available by donation.
"The kids have been working really hard on this and I encourage everyone, even if you don't know anyone in the production, to come out and see what the youth in our community have been working hard on this summer," Carter remarked.
