By Lawrence Loiseau
Be prepared to laugh this January.
Monique Corno’s Art and Drama class at Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School will be performing the play “Clockwork,” written by Texas writer and playwright Pat Cook, from Jan. 10-14.
“It’s a hilarious whodunit,” says Corno, giving a synopsis of the play.
“The play begins with the demise of Zack Dunwoody. Dunwoody is the owner of an estate. So, all of his family would like to see him dead,” Corno says with a laugh.
The rest of the play takes place in the living room of the Dunwoody clan’s mansion. Every time the clock chimes, a family member also dies.
The play is suitably outfitted with a whole host of colourful and funny characters.
“From the drunk nephew to the crusty son-in-law and of course a sheriff and family doctor.”
Corno’s class is composed of 25 students, ranging from grades 10 to 12. Some of the roles had to be double cast because of the high number of students. This means roles will be played by different students each night, she explains.
“Because there are different actors with different costumes with different slants on their characters each night, you will actually see two different shows [on any given night].”
With the exception of Corno and the 100 Mile House Performing Arts Society member Margo Shaw, who will be assisting the technical and sound booth, the students also do all the work.
The students are in the class for credit and will be graded on their effort, work and performance.
“The entire production is run by the students. There’s no other adults backstage. So its quite an undertaking.”
The acting troupe did not have a practice performing space at the school. As a result, they’ve rented out Martin Exeter Hall.
“We just moved into it before winter break.”
The young thespians will offer six performances broken up into five nightly showings and one on Saturday afternoon (Jan.14).
If you are interested in the piece and want to support the students, general admission is $10 or $12 at the door.
“We’ve tried to keep ticket prices reasonable to encourage fellow students, and as many community members as possible, to come out,” Corno ads.
Tickets are currently being sold at Didi’s Boutique and Rustic Elements.
