Maureen Lynch, Superintendent
115 Amesbury Line Road
Haverhill, MA 01830
For Immediate Release
Friday, March 15, 2019
Contact: Jessica Sacco
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: jessica@jgpr.net
Whittier’s Drama Club to Perform ‘Curtains’ Spring Musical
Students from Newburyport, Merrimac, Haverhill and Bradford to Star in Production
HAVERHILL — Lights! Cameras! Curtains! Whittier’s Drama Club is gearing up to perform the murder mystery comedy “Curtains” next week.
Based on the book by Peter Stone, the musical is set in Boston in 1959, and begins when the untalented actress Jessica Cranshaw, played by freshman Maria Elms, of Newburyport, is murdered during the opening night curtain call of “Robbin’ Hood of the Old West.”
It’s then up to Lt. Frank Cioffi, played by senior Andrew Roux, of Merrimac, who moonlights as a musical theater fan, to solve the case, save the show and maybe even find love before the production reopens — without getting killed himself. The show, which features a live orchestra, promises to have audience members on the edge of their seats up until the finale.
“I love the acting and the creativity that goes into makeup, costumes, and the way you express your character,” said senior Rhina Tiburcio, of Haverhill, who plays Carmen Bernstein, the play’s brash and brassy Broadway producer.
“Curtains” opens on Friday, March 22 at 7 p.m. and runs Saturday, March 23 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in advance for $8 at the Whittier school store and at the door for $10.
While most of the talented actors, actresses, singers and dancers are returning members, the cast has also gained enthusiastic newcomers, including juniors Phineas Sparrow, of Haverhill, who plays Sidney Bernstein — the show’s sleazy, philandering co-producer, and James Alvino, of Haverhill, in the role of Detective O’Farrell.
“Curtains” has several challenging songs and dance numbers, and the company is rehearsing every day after school and on Saturdays with music teacher Linda Urban, media instructor Rich Porcelli and choreographer Wendy Smith.
“You have to learn so much dancing and all the songs, but in the end it is all worth it,” said freshman Isabella Gallagher, of Merrimac, who is in the ensemble.
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