CHAMINADE MIDDLE SCHOOL PLAYERS PRESENT
NOTEFROM THEDIRECTOR
Good evening, and welcome to Murder’s in the Heir! I’ve been wanting to do a murder mysteryforalongtime,andI’mthrilledtobringyouthisshow.Myfatherwasahugefan of Agatha Christie, and he passed that love along to my older sister and me. One of my all-timefavoritefilmsisNeilSimon’sMurderByDeath,aparodyofChristie’snovels,andit isn’t an understatement to say that film shaped my comedic sensibilities. For better or worse.Andmurdermysteriesarehotrightnow!Hey,I’mnotabovetryingtocashinonthe currentzeitgeist.Thisshowismoreofaparodythananactualmystery,butyougetit.
It’s been such a pleasure to work on this show. The cast and crew have done a tremendousjob!It’sbeenatruepleasuretoworkwiththemoverthepastseveralweeks, butmostimportantly,Ihopetheyrecognizethegreatworkthattheyhavedone.Towatch thiscast/crewstepupandhelpeachotherouthasbeenatrueblessing,andIamsovery, veryproudofthem.Theyareagenuinelysweet,funnygroupofkids.
The longer I do this, the more it becomes clear that I would be nothing without the significanteffortofseveralpeoplewhoarekindenoughtolendtheirconsiderabletalents 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, BobbyJones,OscarPerez,andHeatherEaton Ittrulyisacollaborativeendeavor,andthe ideas you all bring to the table make these productions so much better than anything I coulddoonmyown Thankyouforallthatyou’vedoneformeandfortheprogram Your helpandyourfriendshiphavebeeninvaluable
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 supportofourprogram!
“Acheaplaughisbetterthannolaugh”
--MikeRuss,11/17/22
THANKYOUs
Allofthecast&crewparents SpecialthankstoMrs RachelDworkinforallofherhard workonourbeautifulprogram
MichaelLehrmann,TrishLyons,andtheentireBusinessOffice
MikeValentine,DorothyKane,andCarolinaGunter
Joana Eleid, Patricia Fernandez, Annette Damien, Jason Alvarez, Yesi Rivera, Brenda Zeyrek,andLindaAnderson
WaltStewart
Ourfaculty&stafffortheircontinuedsupportofourprogram
Director
TechnicalDirector
Producer
Hair,Make-upand
Costume Coordinator
MichaelRuss BobbyJones
NikkiRuss HeatherEaton
House Manager/Physical Plant OscarPerez
C A S T O F C H A R A C T E R S
SIMONSTARKWEATHER...........................................LukeRyan
FIONASTARKWEATHER.................................................KikiCallis
JORDANSTARKWEATHER...............................LaszloDworkin
PAULATHOMPSON....................................HadleyGannaway Family
Staff
BENSONHURST...........................................................JustinWhite
MRS.TRENT..............................................................LeahNewman
MINERVAWALKER.............................................EmiDominguez
NANCYPOLLARD OliviaLemmonds
RUFUSJONES...................................................DylanGrossman
TheProfessionals
LOISVANZANDT..............................................OliviaHoneycutt
MISSWITHERS OliviaVanek
KATHYCOLLINS....................................................CharlieDichter
MIKEDAVIS CameronJamehdor
GENECULPEPPER...............................................NicholasBotros
ANUSHER..................JordanBoutte,MannySassounian, JacksonMoney,MiaMorgan
Understudies
JORDANBOUTTE
MANNYSASSOUNIAN
JACKSONMONEY
MIAMORGAN
C R E W
AbigailLeonhardt
LylaMoss StageManagers
Props
BrodieVehling...........................................................PropMaster
JoshBorck.............................................................................Props
BrianBorck............................................................................Props
Costumes/Hair&Makeup
CamilleBayreuther................................CostumeManager
MikaylahCollier........................Hair&Makeup,Costumes
DevinKoresh..............................Hair&Makeup,Costumes
IsabellaSimmons...................Hair&Makeup,Costumes
Lighting
AnyaVaswani......................................................LightingChief
NathanielHou..............................................LightingAssistant
MaggieVehling.................................2ndLightingAssistant
Sound
AnthonyBangayan...............................................SoundChief
ChaseYocum..................................................SoundAssistant
JosephRuss......................................................SoundAssistant
LucasKarls.........................................................................SoundFX
StageCrew
OliviaSperedelozzi
BaniKumar
CassidyWalters
BrightonGannaway
AvatDarakeh
S Y N O P S I S O F S C E N E S
TIME:Thepresent
PLACE:StarkweatherMansion
ACTONE:SceneOne-AstormyNovembernight
ACTONE:SceneTwo-Aboutmidnight
INTERMISSION
ACTTWO:Therestofthenight
MEETTHE CAST
NicholasBotros GeneCulpepper
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 ensemblethenbecomingBruceBogtrotter Heplansto be a part of the Fall Production again in eighth grade, aswellasjoiningthetennisteaminthespring
JordanBoutte Understudy
Jordan is very excited to be a part of her first play, Murder'sintheHeir Jordanisin6thgradeandreallyis enjoying her first year in Chaminade Other than the playJordanisinvolvedintheDelphic6Agirlsvolleyball team and various clubs Jordan wants to thank her Mom and Dad for helping me with lines and being so supportive
KikiCallis FionaStarkweather
KikiCallisisaneighthgraderandisplayingtheroleof "Fiona Starkweather" She has been in every Chaminade production since her sixth grade zoom year,andshecherishesallofthememoriesthathave beenmadesofar,andcannotwaittomakemore!Kiki would like to thank her parents, brothers, and the whole cast for always supporting her, as well as Mr andMrs Russforgivingherthesegreatopportunities
CharlieDichter KathyCollins
Charlie is a 7th grade singer who loves improv, acting, andallthingstheatrical!Thisistheirfirstplaythatisn'ta musical Theyrecentlyplayedtheleadin"MarryPoppins" over the summer They thank everyone for supporting themthroughouttheirjourneythroughdrama
EmiDominguez MinervaWalker
Emiisveryhappytobeapartofthethisproduction 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 firstoneandshehashadanamazingtimeworkingwith hercastmates Shewouldlikeherparentstoknowsheis 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
LaszloDworkin JordanStarkweather
LaszloisveryexcitedtobeintheMurder'sInTheHeir,and he is playing the role of Jordan Starkweather This is his firstshowatChaminade,thoughhewasinthetechcrew 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 withhishands,inmanydifferentways
HadleyGannaway PaulaThompson
HadleyGannawayisbeyondexcitedtobeplayingthe 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 encourageseveryonetovoteforPaulaasthekiller.
DylanGrossman RufusJones
DylanGrossmanisinseventhgradeandisexitedtoplay the role of Rufus Jones in the fall production "Murder's in TheHeir" ThisisthefirstProductionhehasbeenapartof andisexitedtohavefunmakepeoplelaugh
Olivia is in the eighth grade and playing the role of Lois VanZandt.Sheisveryexcitedtobeapartof"Murder'sin theHeir".ThisisherfourthshowhereatChaminade.She hasbeeninover13showssuchasBeautyandtheBeast (Mrs. Potts), Marry Poppins (Jane), and Bye Bye Birdie (Margie). Olivia would like to thank her family, friends, andcastforalltheirloveandsupport.
CameronJamehdor MikeDavis
Cameroncan'twaittogetuponstageandperformsuch 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 andhangingoutwithfriends Hisfavoritesporttoplayis soccer,wherehetakesonthepositionofleftD Cameron isdeterminedtoputonagreatshow,andhopesyouall enjoy
OliviaLemmonds NancyPollard
Olivia Lemmonds is an 8th grader and is playing the role"Nancy".AssheparticipatesinherfirstChaminade 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 withherfriendsandfamilyforthesupport.
OliviaHoneycutt LoisVanZandt
JacksonMoney 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 previoustheatercreditsincludeMichaelinMaryPoppins, 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 artstohimandalwayssupportinghim.
MiaMorgan Understudy
Miaisin8thgrade.Sheisveryexcitedtobeapartofthis 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 encouraginghertofollowherpassioninmusicaltheater
LeahNewman
Mrs Trent
Leah Newman is in 7th grade and is playing the role of "Mrs Trent" LeahissoexcitedtobedoingMurder'sInThe Heir with such an amazing cast, crew and director Leah hasbeeninmultipleplays,suchasAnnie,FrogandToad, FlatStanley,LionKingandmore Outsideoftheatre,Leah does voice acting and bakes for her friends and family LeahthanksMr Russforbeingsuchanamazingdirector, andhergrandparentsforflyingouttobehere
FinnRyan
FinnRyan
Simon StarkWeather / SimonStarkweatherIII
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 StarkweatherIII"YoumayknowFinnfromhispreviousrole as, "The Escapologist," in Matilda, as well as his role in the drama production, "Luck of the Draw," last year He is ecstatictoplaythisnewcharacterintheshow,"Murder'sin 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 hisbrother,JakeRyan,forbeingextremelysupportiveand helpful in everything he does Will he possibly be the murderer or the murdered? Guess you'll have to find out, enjoytheshow!
MannySoussunian Understudy
OliviaVanek MissWithers
Olivia is in seventh grade and is delighted to be playing MissWithersinMurder'sintheHeir Thoughthisisonlyher thirdshowwiththemiddleschoolplayers,Murdersinthe 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 youandenjoy!
JustinWhite Bensonhurst MannyisveryexcitedtobeapartofMurder'sintheHeir He is the understudy for the roles Jordan and Bensonhurst He has played the role of Bruce in Matilda andamemberoftheLuckoftheDrawcastlastyearand isreadytotakeontherolethisyearifnecessary 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 throughhisjourneyofactinginChaminade
Justin,6thgrade,lovesdramaandcan'twaittoplaythe role of Bensonhurst. This is his first production, so he is especiallyexcited.Hewouldliketothankhisparentsand hisfriendsforbeingsosupportive.
MEETTHE CREW
AbbyLeonhardt StageManager
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 guidinghertodotherightthing.Mostimportantlyshe would like to thank herself for accepting this position andtoalwaysbeopenmindedandbeingherself.
LylaMoss StageManager
Lylaissuperexcitedtobeoneofthestagemanagers ofMurder'sInTheHair.Thisisher3rdplayonthetech crew at Chaminade and she can't wait to do more. In herfreetime,Lylalovestocheer,playsoccer,andbea 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. Shelovesyou!
AnthonyBangayan SoundChief
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,andteachersforsupportinghimintheater
CamilleBayreuther CostumeManager
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 forwardtoplaystocomeinHighSchool
JoshBorck 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 ofhislifeandespeciallyhisChaminadecareer.
BrianBorck 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,andcatsforneverfailingtocheer himuponabadday,andforeveryoneelsethat'shelped himgettowhereheisnow Thankyoueveryone!
MikaylahCollier Hair&Makeup,Costumes
FinnRyan
Mikaylah Collier is in 6th grade I have never been more excitedtoseewhathappens!
AvatDarakeh StageCrew NathanielHou LightingAssistant
AvatDarakeh,8thgrade Verygratefulformyspotintech 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!
BrightonGannaway StageCrew
Brighton Gannaway is an eighth grader who decided to joinTechCrewafterhesawhowmuchhisfriendenjoyed 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 thankMr.Jonesforgivinghimthisgreatopportunityand wishesthebesttohisfellowtechmembers.
Natty is a 6th Grader that is doing the lights as the assistant manager This is the first show that Natty has beeninasatechcrewmemberthoughhehasbeenina coupleofrolesinhisoldschool Thisisthefirstdayofhim actually being in the lights He thanks the cast and the restofthecrewfortheirsupportandforthenewskillshe hasacquired.
LucasKarls
SoundFX
LucasKarlsisinthe8thgrade.Heisexcitedtobepartof techcrewthissemester.Thisishisfirsttimeintechcrew and he is really enjoying it. He is looking forward to a successfulplay.
DevinKoresh
FinnRyan
Devinisaneweighthgrader Sheisapartofthetechcrew this year and excited to be a part of Chaminade She would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her
BaniKumar StageCrew
BaniKumarisveryexcitedtobeapartofTechCrewthis year!Banihasbeeninmanyshows,andwasalsoinboth 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 constantlysupportingher!
IsabellaSimmons Hair&Makeup,Costumes
Isabella is very happy to be a part of the tech crew. This isherfirsttimeontechcrewatChaminade.Sheisreally happy to help with the backstage equipment and cleaningfortheplay.
JosephRuss SoundAssistant
Joeyisaseventhgraderwhoisthesoundassistantand happy to work on the Murder's in the Heir play. Last year he was too nervous to join the crew because he was afraidtomessup.Thisyearhegotthecouragetofinally jointhecrewandheactuallyreallyenjoysit.He'smadea lot of new friends whilst in Tech Crew and is really enjoying it. He also is definitely joining it next semester andthenextyearin8th.
OliviaSperedelozzi StageCrew
Olivia Speredelozzi is extremely happy to be part of the play She is in the 6th grade and would like to thank her familyandfriendsforsupportingher
AnyaVaswani
LightingChief
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 friendsforalwayssupportingherandencouragingherto trynewthings
BrodieVehling PropMaster
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 magicbehindthescenesandparticipateinTechCrewin highschool!
FinnRyan
MaggieMaeVehling 2ndLightingAssistant
MaggieMaeisin6thgrade,itisherfirsttimeontechcrew! SheissoexcitedforMurder'sInTheHeirandtobehelping too!Maggiethanksallofthecastandherfamilymembers forsupportingher!Thankyou!
CassidyWalters StageCrew
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 thanksyouallforcoming
ChaseYocum SoundAssistant
Chase Yocum is in the eighth grade and is thrilled to be onthesoundteam.HeispassionateabouteverythingIT 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.