On Wednesday, December 13, 2017, the creative writing class at Morrison High School hosted their first dinner murder mystery. The class, taught by English teacher Gwen Rickertsen, has been working on this project for over half the semester.
Students were invited by members of the writing class and Rickertsen herself. Parents and family were also encouraged to come and see the show. Each viewer was given an invitation that depicted the characters in the story.
Students made crafted characters and a complex storyline. Senior Linda VanZuiden said that, “It wasn’t easy writing the murder mystery dinner, but we were all definitely happy with the outcome. It took a lot of time coming up with a complex background and a story for each character.” She continued with, “We started out by coming up with a backstory for every character, and then we figured out a motive for murder for each character as well. A motive for murder was important for each character, because we needed to keep the audience guessing.” VanZuiden believed that the hardest part was “keeping all the information lined up and making sure it was not too confusing.”
However, by the end of the night, the group felt “so accomplished when everything finally came together.” VanZuiden said that it had been fun working with her classmates, and writing the murder mystery was a great experience.
The setting took place on a yacht on the way to the Taihiti Islands. Ten characters, with clashing personalities, planned to spend two weeks together for vacation. While on the trip, two of the ten members die, and it’s on to find the murderer or murderers.
The cast was played by students, teachers, and parents. They were
- Captain Jack Sanders, played by Tim Duncan, History Teacher: His age gives him wisdom, and his money brings him wine. He seems to be living the dream, but, for him, this trip turns into a nightmare.
- William Astor, played by Justin Stevenson, Business Teacher: He is owner of the yacht and a very successful pharmaceutical company. He seems to be living the life, or is that just what it seems?
- Camilla Astor, played by Kay Harwood, Principal: Married to the owner of the yacht, she is living in wealth. She seems to have a perfect life, but everything is not what it seems.
- Beaux Astor, played by Rylan Hagerman, Senior: Born with a silver spoon in his mouth and polo ponies in his backyard, he is along for the trip. His wealthy parents have no idea how he spends his time or money.
- Daniel Hemsworth, played by Dennis VanZuiden, Parent: Invited on this trip by his top paying client, this lawyer plans to have a nice vication. Little does he know his business will follow him.
- Brittany Hemsworth, played by Samantha Fletcher, Junior: She is along for the trip with her husband. Her self-centered attitude may create problems with others on the ship.
- Matti Crimson, played by Kerry Grim, Chemistry Teacher: She is the navigator of the ship, but is that enough? Her desire for power comes with disaster.
- Lindsey Sizzle, played by Bailey Smith, Junior: Being the chef for a bunch of rich people isn’t easy. Can Lindsey handle all the fussy complaints?
- Chase Swift, played by Brian Bartoz, Driver’s Ed. Teacher: This last minute deckhand seems to be perfect for the job, but everyone knows that looks can be deceiving.
- Adam Nightshade, played by Isaak Shetler, Sophomore: He is the first mate on the yacht. He is excited for this trip, but will his irritable personality be able to handle these pesky passengers?
Viewers were given a sheet in order to take notes on each of the characters. At the end, they were able to turn in their sheets and win prizes. Jennifer Stevenson, MHS Librarian, and Julia Deter, Morrison P.E. Teacher, were the winners. Both of them correctly guessed the potential killers and their motives for murder. Each received a gift from the class. Those who deduced incorrectly were also given prizes. Justin Stevenson was among them–he received candy for his efforts.
Those in the play were surprised to have been picked. Most didn’t know they would be receiving a part.
Bailey Smith commented on her role in the play, “It was a really good experience. I had never done something like that with teachers before, and it was really fun to see them like that–to realize they are just like us.” She went on to say, “Some of it was pretty tense, because Sam and I fought a lot. Some of it was real. The actors were a diverse group, and I think they chose fitting parts for each of us.”
Sam Fletcher added to Smith’s comment with, “Not knowing anything about my character except the most basic information was the best part. Just using your best judgement to figure out who the murderer was the intense part for me.” She also added that she, “loved how everyone got so into their parts, even when we were just handed them without prior knowledge. Basically, not knowing what was going to happen made the whole murder mystery way more fun.”
Their murder mystery was indeed a hit! Days after it took place, students and teachers were still talking about it. Rickertsen commented that they may put the play on again at some point. She even hinted that there may be a part two. If there is, we hope to see you at the next murder mystery.