Warren Schools to open “Curtains! School Edition” this weekend
The cast of Warren High School's production of "Curtains! School Edition" rushes to hit the final pose for the end of Act 1. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
Abigail Hoyt, center, performs "Thataway" during Tuesday afternoon's rehearsal for Warren High School's production of "Curtains! School Edition". (Photo by Gwen Sour)
From left, Taylor Richards listens as Liam Nuzum performs "I Miss the Music" Tuesday evening. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
From left, Taylor Richards sings "Coffee Shop Nights" from "Curtains!" as Kali Gilliland listens.(Photo by Gwen Sour)
Hollyn Reed performs a monologue during a rehearsal Tuesday evening for "Curtains! School Edition" at Warren High School. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
The cast of Warren High School's production of "Curtains! School Edition" rushes to hit the final pose for the end of Act 1. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
Abigail Hoyt, center, performs "Thataway" during Tuesday afternoon's rehearsal for Warren High School's production of "Curtains! School Edition". (Photo by Gwen Sour)
From left, Taylor Richards listens as Liam Nuzum performs "I Miss the Music" Tuesday evening. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
From left, Taylor Richards sings "Coffee Shop Nights" from "Curtains!" as Kali Gilliland listens.(Photo by Gwen Sour)
Hollyn Reed performs a monologue during a rehearsal Tuesday evening for "Curtains! School Edition" at Warren High School. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
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VINCENT - Warren High School students are bringing a mix of comedy, music and mystery to the stage with their production of "Curtains! School Edition", opening this weekend.
The show is a collaborative effort led by a team of directors and educators, including Robby Allen, who handled set construction and blocking; Jimmy Sundquist, high school choral director; Courtney Clark, orchestra director overseeing sound and lighting; and Lori Flesher, middle school choir director. Angie Erb-Gentile served as director and costume designer.
Erb-Gentile, who spent more than three decades leading the school's drama program before retiring last year, said the production continues a long-standing tradition of ambitious performances.
"All of our shows are this big," she said. "We have worked really hard over the years."
The musical was selected as part of a rotating process among directors, with this year's choice aimed at fitting student vocal ranges and offering a different tone from previous productions.
"We kind of take turns picking the show," Erb-Gentile said. "When we get into that decision, we're like, 'What vocal parts do we have? ... What kind of show will this be?' ... With the voice ranges, it seemed like this was exactly what it needed."
The production includes more than 40 students, with some performers participating since middle school. The program also partners with middle school students, who contribute both on stage and in the orchestra.
"They know the drill," Erb-Gentile said. "They know how serious it is."
"Curtains! School Edition" centers on a fictional theater company staging a musical when a murder occurs, prompting an investigation that unfolds alongside the production. The show blends elements of comedy, drama and classic whodunit storytelling.
"It's a murder mystery as well as it's about a cast who is putting on a show," Erb-Gentile said. "So they're actually rehearsing an actual show, and as they move along, different murders happen."
For senior Abigail Hoyt, who plays Georgia Hendricks, the production has been both challenging and rewarding.
"For me, it has been just learning lines and kind of helping others learn lines," Hoyt said. "We all sing all the time, because most of us are in choir."
Hoyt said she first became interested in theater after watching a previous school production and has continued performing through her senior year.
Fellow senior Liam Nuzum, who plays Aaron Fox, said the show has pushed him beyond his comfort zone.
"I'm not much of an actor, so this kind of takes me out of my comfort zone and lets me just kind of have fun," he said. "I like music, so it kind of just takes acting ... and then just singing, which I like to do."
Nuzum added that taking on a larger role this year has presented new challenges.
"This show is my first more of a lead role, so like coming out of my shell, acting more, actually showing expression," he said.
Senior Taylor Richards, who plays Lt. Frank Cioffi, said the show stands out for its comedic tone.
"It's just an overall really funny show," Richards said. "It's kind of like the first actual comedy that we've done."
Performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings at 7 p.m., with a Sunday matinee at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the door or through the school's website, events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/warren/entity/schools/4