Murder's In The Heir

CHAMINADE MIDDLE SCHOOL PLAYERS PRESENT

Billy St. John's

Murder's in the Heir Directed by Michael Russ Produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc. Englewood, Colorado

THURSDAY, NOV. 17 FRIDAY, NOV. 18 SATURDAY, NOV. 19 7:01 pm Father Allen DeLong Center for Arts and Athletics

NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR Good evening, and welcome to Murder’s in the Heir! I’ve been wanting to do a murder mystery for a long time, and I’m thrilled to bring you this show. My father was a huge fan of Agatha Christie, and he passed that love along to my older sister and me. One of my all-time favorite films is Neil Simon’s Murder By Death, a parody of Christie’s novels, and it isn’t an understatement to say that film shaped my comedic sensibilities. For better or worse. And murder mysteries are hot right now! Hey, I’m not above trying to cash in on the current zeitgeist. This show is more of a parody than an actual mystery, but you get it.

It’s been such a pleasure to work on this show. The cast and crew have done a tremendous job! It’s been a true pleasure to work with them over the past several weeks, but most importantly, I hope they recognize the great work that they have done. To watch this cast/crew step up and help each other out has been a true blessing, and I am so very, very proud of them. They are a genuinely sweet, funny group of kids.

The longer I do this, the more it becomes clear that I would be nothing without the significant effort of several people who are kind enough to lend their considerable talents to this program. One of the main reasons I enjoy doing this is because of the excellent, imaginative, and resourceful group of people I have surrounded myself with: Nikki Russ, Bobby Jones, Oscar Perez, and Heather Eaton. It truly is a collaborative endeavor, and the ideas you all bring to the table make these productions so much better than anything I could do on my own. Thank you for all that you’ve done for me and for the program. Your help and your friendship have been invaluable.

So sit back and enjoy watching your kid/student/friend, etc., and be sure to buy tasty, delicious snacks at intermission. Mmmm… Snacks. Thank you all for your continued support of our program!

“A cheap laugh is better than no laugh.”

-- Mike Russ, 11/17/22 THANK YOUs All of the cast & crew parents. Special thanks to Mrs. Rachel Dworkin for all of her hard work on our beautiful program.

Michael Lehrmann, Trish Lyons, and the entire Business Office Mike Valentine, Dorothy Kane, and Carolina Gunter Joana Eleid, Patricia Fernandez, Annette Damien, Jason Alvarez, Yesi Rivera, Brenda Zeyrek, and Linda Anderson Walt Stewart Our faculty & staff for their continued support of our program

Director

Michael Russ

Technical Director

Bobby Jones

Producer

Nikki Russ

Hair, Make-up and Costume Coordinator

Heather Eaton

House Manager/Physical Plant

Oscar Perez

Thanks to all of the parents and teachers who have made this production possible!

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Family SIMON STARKWEATHER ........................................... Luke Ryan FIONA STARKWEATHER.................................................Kiki Callis JORDAN STARKWEATHER...............................Laszlo Dworkin PAULA THOMPSON....................................Hadley Gannaway

Staff BENSONHURST........................................................... Justin White MRS. TRENT..............................................................Leah Newman MINERVA WALKER.............................................Emi Dominguez NANCY POLLARD...........................................Olivia Lemmonds RUFUS JONES ...................................................Dylan Grossman

The Professionals LOIS VAN ZANDT..............................................Olivia Honeycutt MISS WITHERS.............................................................Olivia Vanek KATHY COLLINS....................................................Charlie Dichter MIKE DAVIS................................................Cameron Jamehdor GENE CULPEPPER...............................................Nicholas Botros AN USHER..................Jordan Boutte, Manny Sassounian, Jackson Money, Mia Morgan

Understudies JORDAN BOUTTE MANNY SASSOUNIAN JACKSON MONEY MIA MORGAN

CREW

Stage Managers Abigail Leonhardt Lyla Moss

Props Brodie Vehling...........................................................Prop Master Josh Borck.............................................................................Props Brian Borck............................................................................Props

Costumes/ Hair & Makeup Camille Bayreuther................................Costume Manager Mikaylah Collier........................Hair & Makeup, Costumes Devin Koresh..............................Hair & Makeup, Costumes Isabella Simmons...................Hair & Makeup, Costumes

Lighting Anya Vaswani......................................................Lighting Chief Nathaniel Hou..............................................Lighting Assistant Maggie Vehling.................................2nd Lighting Assistant

Sound Anthony Bangayan...............................................Sound Chief Chase Yocum..................................................Sound Assistant Joseph Russ......................................................Sound Assistant Lucas Karls.........................................................................Sound FX

Stage Crew Olivia Speredelozzi Bani Kumar Cassidy Walters Brighton Gannaway Avat Darakeh

SYNOPSIS OF SCENES

TIME: The present PLACE: Starkweather Mansion ACT ONE: Scene One - A stormy November night ACT ONE: Scene Two - About midnight INTERMISSION ACT TWO: The rest of the night

MEET THE CAST Nicholas Botros

Gene Culpepper

Nicholas Botros is a 7th grade student who is overjoyed to be a part of Murder's in the Heir, playing Gene Culpepper. This is is second production, his first being Matilda the Musical, being a part of the ensemble then becoming Bruce Bogtrotter. He plans to be a part of the Fall Production again in eighth grade, as well as joining the tennis team in the spring.

Jordan Boutte

Understudy

Jordan is very excited to be a part of her first play, Murder's in the Heir. Jordan is in 6th grade and really is enjoying her first year in Chaminade. Other than the play Jordan is involved in the Delphic 6A girls volleyball team and various clubs. Jordan wants to thank her Mom and Dad for helping me with lines and being so supportive.

Kiki Callis

Fiona Starkweather

Kiki Callis is an eighth grader and is playing the role of "Fiona Starkweather". She has been in every Chaminade production since her sixth grade zoom year, and she cherishes all of the memories that have been made so far, and cannot wait to make more! Kiki would like to thank her parents, brothers, and the whole cast for always supporting her, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Russ for giving her these great opportunities.

Charlie Dichter

Kathy Collins

Charlie is a 7th grade singer who loves improv, acting, and all things theatrical! This is their first play that isn't a musical. They recently played the lead in "Marry Poppins" over the summer. They thank everyone for supporting them throughout their journey through drama.

Emi Dominguez

Minerva Walker

Emi is very happy to be a part of the this production. She has the role of "Minerva Walker" in the play "Murder's in the Heir." Emi has never been in a play before, this is her first one and she has had an amazing time working with her castmates. She would like her parents to know she is grateful for all the times they had to bring her back to school just to be at rehearsal and always encouraging her. She would also like to thank her best friend Katie for always being there for her and being the best person ever.

Laszlo Dworkin

Jordan Starkweather

Laszlo is very excited to be in the Murder's In The Heir, and he is playing the role of Jordan Starkweather. This is his first show at Chaminade, though he was in the tech crew for Matilda last year. He has performed in many shows outside of Chaminade though, such as playing Kurt Von Trapp in The Sound Of Music, and Daddy Warbucks in Annie. He has been encouraged by his family and friends, and they are always "there to support him".

Laszlo's main sport is tennis, and he also enjoys working with his hands, in many different ways.

Hadley Gannaway

Paula Thompson

Hadley Gannaway is beyond excited to be playing the role of southern belle Paula Thompson in Murder's in the Heir. Why, that is just peachy, darling! At Chaminade last year, Hadley performed the title role of Matilda in Matilda Jr. and was one of the protagonists in the Improv show, Luck of the Draw.

Hadley has loved acting since she was 7 years-old and has appeared in the Disney movies Frozen 2 and Turning Red and in the animated TV series T.O.T.S and Lego City Adventures. Hadley would like to thank Mr. Russ for being an amazing director and teacher and her family for always supporting her. Finally, she encourages everyone to vote for Paula as the killer.

Dylan Grossman

Rufus Jones

Dylan Grossman is in seventh grade and is exited to play the role of Rufus Jones in the fall production "Murder's in The Heir". This is the first Production he has been a part of and is exited to have fun make people laugh.

Olivia Honeycutt

Lois Van Zandt

Olivia is in the eighth grade and playing the role of Lois Van Zandt. She is very excited to be a part of "Murder's in the Heir". This is her fourth show here at Chaminade. She has been in over 13 shows such as Beauty and the Beast (Mrs. Potts), Marry Poppins (Jane), and Bye Bye Birdie (Margie). Olivia would like to thank her family, friends, and cast for all their love and support.

Cameron Jamehdor

Mike Davis

Cameron can't wait to get up on stage and perform such an amazing show for everyone. He had so much fun during the making of the show, and thanks the entire cast and crew for making it such an enjoyable process.

Cameron is in 8th grade and is playing the role of Mike Davis. a part from drama, Cameron loves playing sports and hanging out with friends. His favorite sport to play is soccer, where he takes on the position of left D. Cameron is determined to put on a great show, and hopes you all enjoy.

Olivia Lemmonds

Nancy Pollard

Olivia Lemmonds is an 8th grader and is playing the role "Nancy". As she participates in her first Chaminade production, she is very excited to work and perform with her friends and cast-mates. Performing arts is one of Olivia's great passions and hopes to continue with Drama, as well as Dance. She would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Russ for this amazing opportunity, along with her friends and family for the support.

Jackson Money

Understudy

Jackson is very happy to be in his first show at Chaminade understudying Rufus Jones, Mike Davis, and Simon Starkweather lll in "Murder's in the Heir". Jackson's previous theater credits include Michael in Mary Poppins, Fredrich in Sound of Music, Motel in Fiddler on The Roof, Scar in The Lion King, and Aladdin in Aladdin. Jackson is also a member of the C-Notes choir and eagle council He wants to thank his family for introducing performing arts to him and always supporting him.

Mia Morgan

Understudy

Mia is in 8th grade. She is very excited to be a part of this production. Especially because this is the first real production she's done. Although she is an understudy, she still gets an equal opportunity and gets to participate and contribute to the production. Outside of the show, Mia is on the Eagle Dance Team here at Chaminade! Mia would like to thank her family for being so supportive of her contribution to the show and encouraging her to follow her passion in musical theater.

Leah Newman

Mrs. Trent

Leah Newman is in 7th grade and is playing the role of "Mrs. Trent". Leah is so excited to be doing Murder's In The Heir with such an amazing cast, crew and director. Leah has been in multiple plays, such as Annie, Frog and Toad, Flat Stanley, Lion King and more. Outside of theatre, Leah does voice acting and bakes for her friends and family.

Leah thanks Mr. Russ for being such an amazing director, and her grandparents for flying out to be here.

Finn Ryan Finn Ryan

Simon StarkWeather / Simon Starkweather III

Finn Ryan, 8th Grade, otherwise known as Luke, is playing the role of the old, tyrannical billionaire, "Simon Starkweather," as well as his grandson, "Simon Starkweather III." You may know Finn from his previous role as, "The Escapologist," in Matilda, as well as his role in the drama production, "Luck of the Draw," last year. He is ecstatic to play this new character in the show, "Murder's in the Heir," as well as being excited for all of his colleagues.

He participates in cooking, music, and tech alongside theatre. His thanks go out to his Mom and Dad, as well as his brother, Jake Ryan, for being extremely supportive and helpful in everything he does. Will he possibly be the murderer or the murdered? Guess you'll have to find out, enjoy the show!

Manny Soussunian

Understudy

Manny is very excited to be a part of Murder's in the Heir.

He is the understudy for the roles Jordan and Bensonhurst. He has played the role of Bruce in Matilda and a member of the Luck of the Draw cast last year and is ready to take on the role this year if necessary. Manny has been in multiple musicals in elementary school like Alice in Wonderland and 101 Dalmatians. Manny would like to thank his friends and family for supporting him through his journey of acting in Chaminade.

Olivia Vanek

Miss Withers

Olivia is in seventh grade and is delighted to be playing Miss Withers in Murder's in the Heir. Though this is only her third show with the middle school players, Murders in the Heir will mark her seventeenth overall show. Olivia would like to thank her parents and her best friends Haylie and Leah, who have helped her every step of the way. Thank you and enjoy!

Justin White

Bensonhurst

Justin, 6th grade, loves drama and can't wait to play the role of Bensonhurst. This is his first production, so he is especially excited. He would like to thank his parents and his friends for being so supportive.

MEET THE CREW Abby Leonhardt

Stage Manager

Abby Leonhardt is in Eighth Grade and is the Stage Crew Manager for the play Murder's in the Heir. Last year she was also prop manager and assistant stage crew manager. Abby would like to thank her friends, family, and teachers for believing in her and always guiding her to do the right thing. Most importantly she would like to thank herself for accepting this position and to always be open minded and being herself.

Lyla Moss

Stage Manager

Lyla is super excited to be one of the stage managers of Murder's In The Hair. This is her 3rd play on the tech crew at Chaminade and she can't wait to do more. In her free time, Lyla loves to cheer, play soccer, and be a WEB leader. Lyla is very thankful for everything her family, especially her sister, Camille does for her and supports her with whatever she wants to do. Lyla is also incredibly grateful for the friends she made who have always been there for her through tough times.

She loves you!

Anthony Bangayan

Sound Chief

Anthony is in 8th grade and this is his 4th play of theater and 3rd as a tech crew member. He was in charge of sound in Matilda and Luck of the Draw and was even an actor once in 6th grade. He is also in fencing, orchestra, boy scouts, and is a black belt in Hapkido. Anthony would like to thank his family, friends, and teachers for supporting him in theater.

Camille Bayreuther

Costume Manager

Camille Bayreuther is very happy and exited to be in Tech Crew again this year in 8th Grade. This is her second year being in tech crew and she is looking forward to plays to come in High School.

Josh Borck

Props

Josh is in 8th grade and is ecstatic to be doing Tech Crew for the fall drama production, Murder's in the Heir.

This is his first time doing Tech Crew, but he has been interested since elementary school. Josh would like to thank his parents, grandparents, and friends for always being so kind, understanding, and helpful throughout all of his life and especially his Chaminade career.

Brian Borck

Props

Brian is an 8th Grader who joined Tech Crew this year.

This is his first production, and he is also a part of the Broadcast Media Team. He thanks his parents, grandparents, friends, and cats for never failing to cheer him up on a bad day, and for everyone else that's helped him get to where he is now. Thank you everyone!

Mikaylah Collier Finn Ryan

Hair & Makeup, Costumes

Mikaylah Collier is in 6th grade. I have never been more excited to see what happens!

Avat Darakeh

Stage Crew

Avat Darakeh, 8th grade. Very grateful for my spot in tech crew. A little anxious but whatever, I'm excited to see my friend Emi perform in the play : )) I want to thank everyone that has worked with me and my advisors. Go Chaminade!

Brighton Gannaway

Stage Crew

Brighton Gannaway is an eighth grader who decided to join Tech Crew after he saw how much his friend enjoyed working behind-the-scenes on last year’s play, Matilda.

This is Brighton’s first year on tech, and he is excited to apply his skills in robotics and engineering to contribute to the success of Murder’s In The Heir. He would like to thank Mr. Jones for giving him this great opportunity and wishes the best to his fellow tech members.

Nathaniel Hou

Lighting Assistant

Natty is a 6th Grader that is doing the lights as the assistant manager. This is the first show that Natty has been in as a tech crew member though he has been in a couple of roles in his old school. This is the first day of him actually being in the lights. He thanks the cast and the rest of the crew for their support and for the new skills he has acquired.

Lucas Karls

Sound FX

Lucas Karls is in the 8th grade. He is excited to be part of tech crew this semester. This is his first time in tech crew and he is really enjoying it. He is looking forward to a successful play.

Devin Koresh Finn Ryan

Hair & Makeup, Costumes

Devin is a new eighth grader. She is a part of the tech crew this year and excited to be a part of Chaminade. She would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her.

Bani Kumar

Stage Crew

Bani Kumar is very excited to be a part of Tech Crew this year! Bani has been in many shows, and was also in both of last year's shows: Matilda and Luck of the Draw, and she had an amazing experience in both. Bani is involved in Mock Trial and C-notes here at Chaminade. Bani would like to thank her parents and her close friends for constantly supporting her!

Isabella Simmons

Hair & Makeup, Costumes

Isabella is very happy to be a part of the tech crew. This is her first time on tech crew at Chaminade. She is really happy to help with the backstage equipment and cleaning for the play.

Joseph Russ

Sound Assistant

Joey is a seventh grader who is the sound assistant and happy to work on the Murder's in the Heir play. Last year he was too nervous to join the crew because he was afraid to mess up. This year he got the courage to finally join the crew and he actually really enjoys it. He's made a lot of new friends whilst in Tech Crew and is really enjoying it. He also is definitely joining it next semester and the next year in 8th.

Olivia Speredelozzi

Stage Crew

Olivia Speredelozzi is extremely happy to be part of the play. She is in the 6th grade and would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her.

Anya Vaswani

Lighting Chief

Anya Vaswani is a 7th grader in tech crew. She is super excited about this show! This is her second year doing tech crew. Last year she was part of lights and also helped with sound. Anya wants to thank her family and friends for always supporting her and encouraging her to try new things.

Brodie Vehling

Prop Master

Brodie is an eighth grader and is so excited to be a part of Tech Crew for this production. He is especially thrilled that it is a suspenseful theme because he is obsessed with crime shows! Brodie hopes to learn a lot about the magic behind the scenes and participate in Tech Crew in high school!

Maggie Mae Vehling Finn Ryan

2nd Lighting Assistant

Maggie Mae is in 6th grade, it is her first time on tech crew!

She is so excited for Murder's In The Heir and to be helping too! Maggie thanks all of the cast and her family members for supporting her! Thank you!

Cassidy Walters

Stage Crew

Cassidy is very excited to be in the tech crew for Murder's in The Heir. This is her first time being in a drama production at Chaminade. She is so proud of all of the cast, and is supporting them all behind the sense. She thanks you all for coming.

Chase Yocum

Sound Assistant

Chase Yocum is in the eighth grade and is thrilled to be on the sound team. He is passionate about everything IT and enjoys gaming and coding in his spare time. Chase is also an avid baseball player and is hoping to join the Chaminade team this spring. Chase is responsible for the audio and making sure things run smoothly with the sound.