MONROE, Conn. — Radio WCKY’s staff planned a live New Year’s Eve show to ring in 1939, but a sudden power surge made everything go dark. When the lights came back on, a dead body was on the floor. A murder investigation ensued, but the show still went on at the insistence of theater owner Darla Van Owen.
The murder mystery will play out in “WCKY” when Masuk High School drama students perform the musical comedy this week. The curtain will open this Thursday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m. Performances are also scheduled for Friday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 22, at 2 and 7 p.m.
Tickets, which are $25 for regular admission and $20 for senior citizens and students, can by purchased online or at the door.
“There are so many comedic moments in each scene,” said Christian Kloter, a senior who stars as Darla Van Owen. “The best part is seeing each person in their character.”
“There’s never a dull moment in the show,” said William Barrett, a senior who stars as Roy, the head writer. “It’s very high energy.”
“WCKY” is directed by Michael Katz, who worked with Brittany Bartek, producer of Masuk’s Drama Department. The production features live sound effects by Masuk’s Foley artists.
In the show, Roy practices his marriage proposal on Sarah, an actress in the New Year’s Eve radio show, played by senior Holly Torigian.
Roy’s girlfriend Polly, the director’s assistant, played by senior Bliss Bray, walks in on him rehearsing the proposal that is meant for her and chaos ensues.
“I love that there’s music in the show,” Bray said of songs performed by a group called the Clementine Sisters.
Ava Alves, a senior who stars as Detective Carter, said, “I think everybody’s showcased on the show. No matter how many lines there are, we depend on everybody.”
“This is beyond a fun show,” Kloter said. “The cast is welcoming. We’ve been a family since day one, which has made the show that much better.”
Among the Masuk seniors in the cast who were not mentioned earlier are Ryan Sokira, Olivia Ciannella, Sinead O’Leary, Shamyra Andrews, Brady Ebner and Ace Mert.
All respectful comments with the commenter’s first and last name are welcome.
