Albert Lea High School drama students are hoping their well-rehearsed murder will take them far in a one-act play competition.

Saturday, January 19, 2002

Albert Lea High School drama students are hoping their well-rehearsed murder will take them far in a one-act play competition.

The actors have been preparing &uot;Murder Well Rehearsed&uot; by John R. Carroll, since before the winter break, said Director Heather Earl. They will compete at sub-sections Jan. 22 at Eastview High School in Apple Valley.

&uot;Murder Well Rehearsed&uot; is a murder-suspense play. In it, high school students are rehearsing for a school play when they find a body.

The body is Mr. Gleason, a school board member known for his dislike of the drama department.

The students and their drama coach try to call the police, but the phone lines have all been cut. Suddenly, an inspector shows up, saying he received a call from a woman reporting that Mr. Gleason has been murdered. He is quick to accuse the drama coach.

The cast includes John Mattson in a dual role as Frank the groundskeeper and Inspector Webb; Juliana Peterson as Nan Benton, the drama coach; Gerrit Plantage as Jimmy; Noah Langseth as Tom; Melanie Balsley as Sheila, the student director; and Candy Gulbrandson as Meg.

The technical crew includes Matt Olsen, student director; Kascey Nelson, lights; Nate McKenney, sound; and Lisa Wichmann, spotlight.

Earl said that while Albert Lea is traditionally known for its comedies, she thought it would be a good idea to do something different which would challenge the students.

&uot;They’re playing their own age group for the most part,&uot; Earl said. &uot;It’s much more believable than having them play 40- and 50-year-olds. It’s too hard for them to stretch that much. These are roles in which they’re confident.&uot;

In one-act play competitions, groups are judged on the length of the play (not to exceed 35 minutes), acting, blocking and use of stage, and pacing.

The top two teams at sub-sections will advance to sections Jan. 29. The state contest is Feb. 7 and 8.

Earl said the play will be performed locally at a date to be announced. There will be two performances during the day for students and one evening performance for the public.