McQuaid Jesuit’s recent top-notch production of Dial M for Murder by Fredrick Knott exemplified terrific amateur theatre and provided audiences the opportunity to solve a perfect murder. Everyone associated with the play described the experience as creative and a lot of fun.

Performances in Dial M for Murder included long speeches and authentic, believable British accents. The audience witnessed the delivery of important dialogue, giving clues to what might happen in this riveting murder mystery. The result was a gripping and entertaining production that made for an enjoyable night out, and a murder solved! The actors were able to remember their lines very well with very few hiccups. Through the professionalism, fluency, and accents the actors used when speaking, I really felt like I was in the middle of a murder mystery. Here is a back-stage look at went into developing and delivering the McQuaid Jesuit production.

Mrs. Pamela Stoffel, the director of the play, grew up with theatre at her family’s center.  In her twentieth year at McQuaid, her dream of wanting to be involved in theatre was fulfilled as she directed yet another McQuaid production, Dial M for Murder.  Even though she loves a good mystery and thinks that Alfred Hitchcock put some of the best on screen, she describes her real reason behind choosing this production.  “I had seen his production, and this year decided I would give the actors a real challenge,” she said.

Thespians “catch the acting bug” from a young age and are always up for a challenge. A day in the life of a McQuaid actor is similar to anyone who participates in extracurricular activities. It takes commitment, patience and dedication to the show and your fellow actors.

Theatre requires teamwork, just like sports.  Sophomore Spencer Dovi, the Announcer in the play, described his experiences.  “The benefits of performing in theatre are the lifelong friends you’ll make by the end of the show and the experiences both in and out of rehearsal that you’ll gain,” he said. Auditions are open to girls throughout Monroe County, exposing the actors, school, and program to a much broader community.  Friendships grow and extend beyond the play, and include spending time together off campus.

For people who do not like to perform in front of an audience but still love being involved in theatrical productions, acting is not the only option.  To this, Stage Manager Adrien Labey-Stone said, “Stage crew is the thing for you!” People who join the crew stay on for play after play because they have such a gratifying and enjoyable experience. Crew members learn to work with power tools, make models, draw and build the set, and meet new people along the way. Three-dimensional models are used to help design and construct the set, and a lot of energy goes into making sure that the set is appropriate for the time frame in which the play takes place.

What we see on stage is the result of several months of planning and building. The sets for Dial M for Murder included walls, doors and furniture from scenery and prop storage with updates from the crew. Tweaks resulted in sets so authentic that the audience felt as if they were looking into the windows of a young couple’s flat in London. The crew is integral to the success of the play, and, when they do their job right, the actors breeze through scenes without any trouble.

Everyone agrees that it would be great if more students were to participate and enjoy the productions to get an idea of what theatre at McQuaid Jesuit is all about. It is an excellent way to get involved, learn new skills, and have a fantastic time. Sophomore Tom Crowley, who plays a Policeman in the play, said, “The benefits are getting to hang around such an amazing group of people all day and make such good friends.  I highly recommend it to anyone that might be considering it.”

Comradery is encouraged on and off the stage.  Actors and stage crew alike are dedicated and hard-working and come away from the experience feeling proud of their accomplishments.  As Mrs. Stoffel said, “I want them to strive to achieve more than they believe they can, and they never fail me…or themselves.”