Curtain rises tonight on CHS comedy

The show will go on! It’s been an uphill climb, but thanks to volunteer efforts of several community members and one tenacious parent, the Crestview High School drama club’s fall comedy, “Touchtone M for Murder” is just about ready for tomorrow night’s opening curtain.

The cancellation of the school’s drama classes left students who were eager to participate in a fall production at a loss. While last year’s drama teacher, Annette Gebhardt, agreed to be adviser to the Thespian Troupe upon being rehired as an English teacher, there was no funding available for her to advise the drama club, too.

Fortunately for eager Bulldog actors and techies, in true Mickey and Judy “let’s put on a show” spirit, Michelle Martin, whose daughter had enjoyed performing in previous CHS plays, stepped up to assure there would be a fall production.

When the program’s plight was reported, several community members with theatrical backgrounds also volunteered their services as technical and performance coaches. Jim Crose worked with the students to construct a versatile set that can be reused for future shows and has assisted with lighting.

His wife, Janice, a classically trained vocalist, offered to work with student director Kirsten Limberg and coach the young actors in stagecraft. Both Croses have also volunteered to be judges at the county’s regional spring Thespian competitions.

“Our set’s awesome,” junior Ryan Vance, who plays the lead character, detective Sam Slade, said. “It is just great to have them in there. They’re theatre professionals, and that’s something we haven’t had before.”

Glen Klein and Mike Menges, members of the Journey Church, which donated sound equipment and materials for the set, reworked the school auditorium’s sound system.

“They put in hours,” Jim Crose said. “I don’t know where we’d be without them. Silent, I guess.”

Complicating matters, Ryan missed several rehearsals due to appendicitis. Now minus his appendix, he is excited to see the show about to open.

“Things will definitely come together,” he said. “I definitely have faith in the cast and our community advisers. Something magical happens during tech week.”

Ryan and the Croses also had praise for Kirsten’s directorial debut.

“She is doing an awesome job,” Ryan said. “For her to just take over for the first time, she’s doing awesome. She really is.”

“She’s working her heart out,” Janice Crose said. “The cast needs to get serious now and pay attention to her.”

When the curtain goes up at 7 p.m. tomorrow night, the resultant performance will be a collaboration between student performers and backstage crew, supportive school administrators and faculty, and dedicated parents and community volunteers.

Performances of “Touchtone M for Murder” are Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and are available at the door. Call the school at 689-7177 for more information.