With spring break being over, now comes the annual middle school play, with this year’s show being The Alibis. The Alibis is kind of like Clue. There’s been a murder, and the detective Casey Neptune has to figure out who the murderer is. However, each character in the play has an alibi. The “bit” of the show is that each alibi is a character committing a different crime, and each scene of the show goes through one of these characters’ alibi. The show essentially creates an anthology of each alibi that ultimately connects to the murder of J. Leslie Arlington, as Casey Neptune attempts to determine who could be the murderer. Additionally, there is Warwick, a butler who accompanies Casey in her quest.
I came into the Little Theatre for a day to get a preview of the show. I came in on one of the first days that the cast had been on the actual set doing the show. The set itself is three walls and a door representing a simple room. However, what immediately struck my eye was the giant hole in the back of the room. I had to ask a couple of cast members about it, but it turns out that it’s actually a window at the back of the room, used in a couple of scenes throughout the show. The window is actually a very interesting aspect of the set and a quality use of the limited area in the theatre.
They started off rehearsal with the climax of the show: determining who the murderer is. I won’t spoil anything, but it was a compelling mix of comedy and shock factor. Going into preview the show, I didn’t know if I’d enjoy a comedy mystery. But from what I saw, both aspects were so well mixed that I simultaneously found myself laughing and surprised.
Before I left, I decided to ask lead Thomas Comerford (’29) about the show.
How’s the rehearsal process going so far?
“So far we’re making some progress. We’ve had some setbacks due to the director being sick and us being gone for some rehearsals due to the England Exchange.”
What is your role?
“I play Warwick. I’m a butler who has a passion for karaoke.”
What’s been the most challenging part of preparing for your role?
“Because I play a butler, the most challenging part has been finding a good voice. He’s a butler, so he has a fancy voice, but he also has a goofy side with the whole karaoke stuff.”
I also went and talked to cast member Jake Young (’29).
What is your role
“I’m Clyde and Peyton. Clyde’s a groundskeeper while having the secret identity of being one of the most wanted thieves in the world. Peyton is the husband of Quin, a stressed-out mother trying to plan her daughter’s birthday party.”
How would you describe the show?
“It’s a large number of fun mini plays trying to determine a murder. It’s funny.”
Favorite part of the play?
“Have to go with the scene of Clyde and Bonnie. Clyde tries to take candy from a small child but gets defeated, while Bonnie runs off with another man.”
After everything I saw at The Alibis rehearsal, I would highly recommend that people come to it. The show will run from April 10-13, so make sure you come and support Chaminade Theatre.
