The Heights High Drama Department will perform Agatha Christie’s mystery The Mousetrap on February 4-7, 7 p.m. in the auditorium. The popular murder mystery includes unexpected plot twists and turns. “This play is enormously entertaining,” said director and theater teacher David Jurns.
The play is set in an English Victorian guest house (Bed and Breakfast) in 1952. There are eight actors in the show and the production will feature two casts, each performing for two nights.
“The students are having a wonderful time with this story,” continued Mr. Jurns. “They are enjoying learning the accents and performing a show that pulls viewers in and then deliver a wonderful surprise."
The elaborate replica of a Victorian manor house is being built by the Heights High stage crew, under the direction of the show’s technical director, Keith Newman.
“Our goal is to transport the audience back to another time and place,” said Mr. Jurns. “Keith and his crew are getting a lot of details just right to give us a wonderful set.”
Mr. Jurns has recruited an experienced theater professional to help with the show – his wife Beth Jurns. In her role as assistant director she is coaching students as they learn their lines, creating the time period costumes and the publicity poster. Mr. Jurns teaches the school’s theater courses and is the show’s producer and director.
The Mousetrap cast, with Director David Jurns (back row
left) and Assistant Director Beth Jurns, (second row, right).
Meet Three Actors:
Senior Iyana Brown-Bey plays Miss Casewell, one of the house guests, likes the variety of characters in the show. “They are all so different, it is fun when they interact and the audience learns more about their history,” she said. Iyana was also in last year’s Midsummer Night’s Dream and this year’s Guy’s and Doll’s school production. Next year she plans to attend Columbia College in Chicago to study acting and theater.
Senior Jeanne Greminger’s character is Molly, who owns the guest house with her husband Giles. “Molly is sweet, but she has a surprising past that might surprise you,” said Jeanne. “This play is fun because you get to draw in the audience and enjoy the moment when the mystery is solved.” She has been involved in local community theater and chorus for several years, including the Jewish Community Center’s Playmakers Theater and is an eleven year member of the Cleveland Singing Angels. She will attend Belmont College in Nashville to study Music Therapy.
Junior Michael Ware plays Giles, the guest house co-owner with his wife Molly. “I love doing the English accent,” said Michael. “Ever since I was little, I have enjoyed doing imitations and different accents.” He also enjoys the craft of acting. “It is fun to take on a different persona and escape into that for a while,” he continued. Michael was also in the school’s Midsummer Night’s Dream performance last year and outside of school, he writes and performs Rap Music. After he graduates, he plans to pursue a field in the arts.
Tickets for the show are $8/adults (or 2/$15), and $5/students and senior citizens.
Marcus Snorton, Abigail Hermes and Graham
Ball rehearse a scene for The Mousetrap.
Mousetrap Cast
Feb 5 & 7 Feb 4 & 6
Giles Ralston Giles Ralston
Graham Ball Mike Ware
Mollie Ralston Mollie Ralston
Jeanne Greminger Abby Hermes
Christopher Wren Christopher Wren
Brycen Hunt Marcus Snorton
Mrs. Boyle Mrs. Boyle
Adekoya Obebe Meryem Azzam
Major Metcalf Major Metcalf
Gerald Shayer Kenneth Bebee
Miss Casewell Miss Casewell
Lily Kerr-Jung Iyana Brown-Bey
Mr. Paravicini Mr. Paravicini
Isaiah Pressman Remi Godard
D.S. Trotter D.S. Trotter
Breanna Hohenfeld Hanna Woodside