Rehearsal For Murder

Adapted for the stage by D. D. Brooke from the television play by William Link and Richard Levinson. Directed by Stefan Brand. Willeton Senior High School Performing Arts Centre. 18 September, 2020

Willeton Senior High School’s Year 11 ATAR Drama Students performed this intriguing and gripping murder mystery for one night only. A gripping tale, set in a Broadway theatre, it kept its COVID Capacity audience members on the edges of their seats as it moved swiftly to its surprise conclusion.

I must begin by saying how welcomed my companion and I felt at this performance. A squadron of smiling front-of-house staff are on hand to guide the audience, not only to their seat, but placed throughout the school to see patrons safely to and from the venue - all very friendly and highly efficient. While waiting to enter the theatre, we were safely distanced in a courtyard and entertained by the gorgeous singing voice of student Devanarayan Venugopal. The safety and phone announcements were made with great humour and originality.

Director Stefan Brand has allowed a great deal of student input, with actors responsible for their own costume design (a task they have done well), student selected set and properties and a student stager manager, Carolyn Kirk, and crew. Atmospheric lighting was provided by Luke Smith, with dynamic sound by Mohammad Haddadpour.

Central character playwright Alex Dennison is expertly played by Aaron James. A huge role, he anchors the show very well, in a natural and convincing performance as a young man determined to track down the killer of his fiancé some twelve months earlier. The role of Monica Wells is surprisingly big for a murder victim who has met her demise before the play begins. Appearing extensively in flashbacks and in 'our minds', Isla Simeoni effectively evokes a successful and glamorous leading lady.

Great teamwork from our “suspects”. Sukhchain Singh brings good looks, swagger and likability to the role of “leading man” David Matthews, and I suspect from the audience reaction that this actor may have equal charm off-stage. Rameen Asad gives great depth and considerable maturity to producer Bella Lamb, in an impressive performance. Olivia Kopczyck is convincing as actor Leo Gibbs, in a relaxed, laid-back performance.  Zara Touihri  is compelling as an ingenue aiming for bigger things, Karen Daniels, in a beautifully transformative performance, with Cooper Jefferyes rounding out the list of “potential murderers” as director Lloyd Andrews.

Good support came from Shenal Constantine as custodian Ernie, helping to open the show well, Lakeesha Motbey lovely as sweet and innocent, country girl secretary Sally, and Emily Kirk efficient as befits Stage Manager Loretta.

Bethan Rosier and Vaness Boong nicely portray various police officers and other roles, while Mihir Pareek, who plays Frank, brought in to help Alex Dennison, handles a complicated denouement with ease.

While some voices were initially on the quiet side, confidence built throughout this well acted, nicely paced production, which kept the audience completely invested and engaged.

A very talented, hard-working group of young creatives, with a clear camaraderie and joy of performance, Rehearsal For Murder was a pleasure to watch.

Kimberley Shaw