Whodunnit
at Heritage High School

Reviewed on March 26, 2021

Emily Townsend
Flint Hill School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

With a cast of colorful characters, Heritage High School's production of Whodunnit was entertaining, funny, and contained just the right amount of mystery. Despite complicated conditions including virtual rehearsals, socially distant blocking, and limited practice time in the theater, the cast and crew successfully engaged their virtual audience with their unique interpretation of playwright Aspen MacLeod's piece. The story, which takes place at the Clybourne Arms Hotel, centers on the stolen necklace of the wealthy Blanche Farthingale, causing staff and guests alike to become suspects in the case. Introducing the underrated genre of mystery/thrillers into theater simultaneously kept the plot compelling and interactive for viewers.

In a stellar group with over 40 student actors, every character had distinct qualities and personalities, along with props to help identify their character. One standout actress was Lili Williams, who portrayed energetic and expressive hotel guest Audrey Rochester. Williams exhibited a wide range of attitudes; she was flirtatious with other guests, but also wounded when it was announced she was previously engaged to Edward Farthingale (TJ D'Onofrio) before he married Blanche. She also had a great rapport with Tyler Cowher, who played Stanley L'Arson, the charming yet suspicious ladies-man of the hotel. Cowher's performance was complete with a dry sense of humor, Shakespeare quotes, and a captivating physical stage presence. Both of these actors made their characters come to life as the audience learned more about relationships between the characters, as well as their potential connections to the crime.

Notable aspects of crew involvement for the production of Whodunnit were the costumes and lighting/sound teams. The costume, hair, and makeup team, which consisted of Emma Saville, Amelie Allen, and Abby Edwards, put together unique ensembles for all characters, while also distinguishing groups with a signature color scheme or garment style. The maids, for instance, were believable as an ensemble of gossipy and tight-knit women, partially due to the fact that their simple, yet elegant black-and-white outfits matched, and their hair was tied back. Blanche Farthingale, on the other hand, was the picture of wealth and beauty in a ruffled teal gown. Regardless of a character's status or gender, the costumes were consistent in time period and style, creating a cohesive unit on stage. The costumers clearly put in effort, planning, and creativity when deciding how to make characters blend in, stand out, or represent themselves via clothing and accessory choice: attention to detail was a noteworthy element of behind-the-scenes work.

In the lighting and sound category, students Donny Brkic and Miriana Lewandowski took advantage of the hybrid platform of the production, utilizing both the classic stage lighting that would be seen in a pre-COVID-era show as well as transmitting audio smoothly and clearly to a virtual audience. Even with physical distance in place, the technical crews employed lighting and high-quality sound to make transitions successful.

Although Whodunnit ended on a cliff-hanger, there was no room for deliberation when it came to the dedication and energy the cast and crew provided. Due to scores of unique personas, flawless technical work in the audio and lighting departments, wonderful costumes, and an engaging, well-presented storyline, the accomplishments of the Heritage theater department were no mystery!

Spoorthi Nadkarni
Westfield High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

"Papers, get your papers!" Better get them fast, too, because Heritage High School's captivating production of Whodunnit is worth reading about. Whodunnit took the audience on a chaotic and thrilling ride with its interactive, videogame-like production which revealed something big had happened at the Clybourne Arms Hotel and it was up to the audience to find out "whodunnit."

Whodunnit, written by Aspen MacLeod, followed the case of the wealthy Mrs. Farthingale's stolen necklace and the events leading up to and after it. Presumed to be set in around mid-1800's Britain, this production detailed the hunt to find the true culprit in a group where everyone seemed suspicious.

While this show was rehearsed entirely virtually, the actual filming and final version of this play was performed in-person under COVID-19 restrictions. The skills needed for acting in film versus live theatre differ greatly, yet none of the live performance skills were lost in the transition. The actors utilized excellent projection and articulation skills and all their words were understood clearly despite the physical barrier of a mask. The British accents they used were prominent, yet subtle in a way that made them sound realistic. Despite mandatory social distancing, the blocking was executed well and looked natural.

This production featured many noteworthy events and impressions from certain individuals. Josephine D'Arcy, who played Basil, radiated so much energy and humor, along with Mia Sirinsky's hilarious performance of Queenie Quackenbush. Kyla Goldsby, who played Lady Sybil, perfectly embodied the spirit of a mysterious and elegant lady in her acting choices. The wide range of emotions that came with Lili Williams's portrayal of Audrey Rochester, as shown through her conversations with the other characters, was astonishing. Emma Healey's thoughtfully made, yet subtle choices and mannerisms led to an in-depth characterization of The Mysterious Ms. M.

The supporting cast of Whodunnit brought realism and whimsicality to the production. The maids and kitchen staff provided comedy and connections to the setting, while the individuals of the secret society fully embodied the aura of omnipotent narrators and enhanced the viewer's experience. Each of these performers let the quirks of their specific character shine through, which made the play much more engrossing.

The props (arranged by Steven Ramsey and Reed Small) combined with the gorgeous costumes, hair, and makeup (designed by Emma Saville and worked upon by Amelie Allen and Abby Edwards), helped establish the time period of the piece and provided identifiers for the characters. Drew Crawford and Colin Jones created an exquisite set design and the lighting, designed by Donny Brkic, enhanced and added dramatic effect to the set. Miriana Lewandowski's sound design was clear and well planned out, considering masks provided a huge obstacle to sound. The mixture of full stage versus close-up shots, as filmed by Christian Bittenbender and Logan Goldsby, was planned out in a way that showcased the blocking and emphasized important interactions between characters well.

Theft is a "dreadful business, isn't it?" And it is, yet it made for such an alluring adventure. With a 40-person cast, 20 people on tech, and only five days in-person to complete this show (two days for actors, two days for tech, and three days to film) from all-virtual rehearsals, the cast and crew of Whodunnit at Heritage High School created a cohesive and gripping production that transcended COVID-19 restrictions. This cleverly executed production surely entertained mystery and non-mystery fans alike.

Leydi Cris Cobo Cordon
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

In every classic murder mystery, everyone's a suspect and that's especially true in Heritage High School's solid performance of Whodunnit, which was shrouded in mystery and scattered with clues.

Whodunnit is a fairly new play written by local playwright Aspen MacLeod. The show follows a sitcom-like format with the Secret Society speaking directly to the audience on occasion to recap events, describe the next setting, or introduce the mystery. Act one introduces the suspects and sets up the crime: the staff of the Clybourne Arms Hotel was preparing for the arrival of the high-class Farthingales, but upon their arrival Mrs. Farthingale's extravagant necklace was stolen. There are three different versions of act two that follow different sets of characters to uncover the true culprit. For this viewing, critics were only shown the first act.

Heritage High School's production was anchored by how natural the show felt despite all the necessary safety precautions being taken. During the performance, the actors were able to create the effect of a busy hotel lobby while executing the socially distanced blocking smoothly. The cast was able to put enough energy and confidence into their movements that the distance between the actors was unnoticeable. Additionally, when Miranda (played by Emily Gruessing) brought a cup of tea to Blanche Farthingale (played by Emma Saville), Gruessing held onto the plate while Saville grabbed the cup off of it to avoid touching the same surface. This shows excellent planning on the props team's behalf. The precautions were carefully carried out in such a manner that the only detail that hints at this being filmed during a pandemic was the masks on the actors' faces.

Mia Sirinsky's performance as the lively Queenie Quackenbush was an absolute delight. Sirinsky captivated Queenie's quirky personality with her nasally voice and jerky hand gestures. She was also very expressive with her facial reactions, raising her eyebrows to emphasize what she was saying. Lili Williams, who played Audrey Rochester, held good control over her emotions and how she portrayed them through her voice and movement, making her character feel real and grounded.

The maids- played by: Erika Phillips, Kayla English, Amelie Allen, Shannon Mihelic, Erin Sadler, Lily Kilduff, Kira Saunders, Jaclyn Pisani, Christa Knight, and Samantha Balderrama- worked wonderfully well as an ensemble. They made sure to continue acting even when they were in the background of a scene, often spotted dusting the furniture or listening in on conversations. They had a nice back and forth, especially when they gathered around to gossip about the Farthingales and Audrey.

The set duo, Drew Crawford and Colin Jones, selected a backdrop and furniture that meshed well with the costumes since both teams used shades of magenta, navy, and brown. This added a fitting mysterious atmosphere to the production. Emma Saville, Amelie Allen, and Abby Edwards' thoughtful costume design showed the different groups among the characters through their use of color. The Quackenbushes shared mulberry-colored attire, while the Farthingales wore teal. Even all of the Secret Society Ladies wore black blouses to go with their array of jewel-toned skirts.

Heritage High School's delightful performance of the first act of Whodunnit challenged audiences to pay close attention as they try to figure out "whodunnit."

Isa Paley
Wakefield High School
Submitted for publication to Loudoun Now

The Butler did it! No, wait it must've been her husband! Or was it the little girl? In classic mystery theatre, the audience is always left guessing, scouring the show for hidden clues to figure out who did what. Bringing the fun to an online landscape, Heritage High School emulated the liveliness and excitement of the mystery classics in their new and rousing hybrid production of "Whodunnit."

An original piece by local playwright Aspen MacLeod, "Whodunnit" follows the guests and staff of the lavish but dwindling Clybourne Arms Hotel. Set in the 19th century, the hotel's normalcy is upended by the arrival of an exceedingly rich couple, the Farthingales, whose wealth seems promising for the future of the hotel. But after Mrs. Farthingale's necklace is stolen, a full-on investigation begins as anyone could be the culprit. Heritage's production features a cast of 40, whose rehearsal process was done completely online, as well as one week to film the show on their school's stage.

During the show, the entire cast was required to wear masks and be socially distant on stage. Despite this unique challenge, they managed to make the entire space feel full, thanks in no small part to the talented ensemble of 40. Every actor's work was essential, whether it was stealing the scene or providing much-needed ambiance to such a large space.

However, within the amazing cast, there were a few standouts. As Ms. Farthingale, Emma Saville was snobbishly fun, making her character simultaneously hate-able and a true joy to watch. Cordelia Din also shined as Ms. Clybourne, the worn-out hotel owner dealing with such organized chaos. She had great timing and chemistry with all her scene partners, acting as a constant source of common sense compared to her over-the-top customers. And the group of hotel maids (Kayla English, Amelie Allen, Shannon Mihelic, Erin Sadler, Lily Kilduff, Kira Saunders, Jaclyn Pisani, Christa Knight, Samantha Balderrama) as a collective played off of each other really well, making their scenes feel very natural and exciting to watch.

The technical side of the show is equally as well done. The set, designed by Drew Crawford and Colin Jones is perfect for the show, extravagant and entrancing. It perfectly captures what the interior of a hotel should look like. The costumes (Emma Saville, Amelie Allen, Abby Edwards) are also wonderful, fulfilling the very tough task of recreating period wear. During the pandemic, a lot of the more technical aspects of theatre have been seriously cut down, so it was an amazing feeling to see them again and executed so magnificently.

There's nothing like a good old game, whether it be Clue or binging an exciting mystery tv show. There's a true joy in solving these fictional cases, and Heritage High School's brilliant production of "Whodunnit" that's perfect for anyone who finds excitement in the seemingly unsolved.

Jenalyn Dizon
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Submitted for publication to Loudoun Times-Mirror

With hotel staff and guests alike all prime suspects for a missing million-dollar necklace, can you connect the dots before the culprit is revealed? Find out who is innocent and who is proven guilty at Heritage High School Pride Productions' Whodunnit.

Whodunnit was written by local playwright Aspen MacLeod and features three unique endings to be performed on different nights. The play opens with members of the Secret Society narrating the events at a small-town hotel, The Clybourne Arms. Mr. and Mrs. Clybourne excitedly await the arrival of two esteemed patrons, the wealthy Mr. and Mrs. Farthingale, when Mrs. Farthingale's prized necklace goes missing and everyone becomes a prime suspect.

The Whodunnit cast and crew did a wonderful job transforming virtual rehearsals into a full-fledged production on the stage. Despite the restrictions, Heritage found creative avenues around any blocks in production, such as opting for clear face masks and active blocking to make six feet distancing look completely natural.

TJ D'Onofrio and Emma Saville as Edward and Blanche Farthingale maintained consistent characterization to draw the audience's eye whenever they appeared onstage. Saville performed with confidence and an assertive stage presence which worked nicely to play up her bratty and demanding character. Lili Williams as Audrey Rochester, Edward Farthingale's ex-love, created an incredibly convincing performance utilizing the emotion and tone in her voice. Notably, when recounting her history with Edward Farthingale, Williams was able to strike an impressive balance between bitterness and longing their past relationship.

Always on the last nerve of Henry and Sadie Clybourne, played by James Powers and Cordelia Din, Josephine D'Arcy as Basil was a delight to watch. D'Arcy's air of obliviousness coupled with Powers and Din's snappy replies created dimension to their relationship while providing lighthearted comedic relief. As a whole, all of the cast spoke with clear inflections in their voices that helped to differentiate their characters and aid the audience in following the story. The pacing was also incredibly well done; even with a large cast, the scenes never dragged and remained engaging as characters quickly moved on and off stage. The cast succeeded in creating high energy, controlled chaos on stage that truly embodied the commotion of a bustling hotel lobby.

To compliment the actors, Heritage's technical teams added realistic touches to enhance the world of the show. From the large pink backdrop to matching furniture pieces, the work of the set designers (Drew Crawford and Colin Jones) created a beautiful stage picture to anchor the story in. The costumes, hair, and makeup team (led by Emma Saville) made similar choices to create a realistic picture, such as dressing the ensemble of maids perfectly alike, which allowed them to move and appear cohesively as an ensemble.

No easy feat, the cinematographers (Christian Bittenbender and Logan Goldsby) did a great job converting a live show into a film show. Utilizing narrower shots on slower scenes and full-stage shots on scenes with more movement helped to direct the audience's eye in the right direction and ensure the message translated well through the screen.

Overall, Heritage High School created an entertaining production that succeeded in capturing the lives of a myriad of distinct characters. With just the right balance of comedy and mystery, Whodunnit is sure to leave the audience in shock well after the curtains have closed.

Emma Barnes
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Submitted for publication to Blue Ridge Leader

Extra, extra! Read all about it! Blanche Farthingale's priceless necklace stolen in mysterious hotel caper! With over ten suspects, who could have committed this heinous crime? Welcome to Heritage High School's Whodunnit.

Whodunnit, written by a local playwright, examines the actions taken in the Clybourne Arms Hotel anteroom for the 24 hours before Blanche Farthingale's necklace is stolen. The hotel plays host to a catalogue of different suspicious characters, from charismatic Stanley L'Arson to Ms. Scarborough and Mr. Sycamore who are not who they say they are. Anybody could be a suspect, as the audience is told by a Greek chorus-esque secret society before action begins.

The show is unique in today's ever-virtual world in that it was entirely filmed on stage at Heritage High School. The cast rehearsed online throughout the rehearsal process and then had access to Heritage's auditorium for just a week to record. Despite these virtual rehearsals and the fact that a significant portion of the cast and crew had never been inside Heritage's auditorium before filming, the actors executed precise blocking with immense grace. Scenes of controlled chaos particularly shined, with actors entering, exiting, and trading lines all while keeping to COVID-19 distancing requirements. Each actor also physically embodied their character's traits, helping the audience distinguish between such a large cast over a rather short period of time.

The costumes department (Emma Saville, Amelie Allen, and Abby Edwards) also played a major role in defining characters, utilizing color to establish relationships and changing a character's costume to fit with their specific situation. Miranda's (Emily Gruessing) dress was a frilly light pink, complementing the actress's vocal choices to establish her age as a young girl. Telling off the young Miranda multiple times was Sadie Clybourne, played by Cordelia Din. Din perfectly mixed a professional demeanor, demanding stage presence, and not just a hint of franticness to create a sympathetic and hilarious character in Clybourne.

The large cast of maids (Erika Phillips, Kayla English, Amelie Allen, Shannon Mihelic, Erin Sadler, Lily Kilduff, Kira Saunders, Jaclyn Pisani, Christa Knight, and Samantha Balderrama) were a force to be reckoned with, both as a whole and in their individual interactions. Each time multiple maids were on stage, they filled the space with a unifying energy. They also had a particular grasp on blocking, encompassing the large stage with ease. Yet, in any more personal moments they were each able to distinguish themselves as a character worthy of standing on her own, such as Phillips' and English's interactions with Stanley L'Arson (Tyler Cowher). Another character who proved time and again that she was more than what immediately came to eye was Audrey Rochester, played by Lili Williams. Williams held her own against Edward Farthingale (TJ D'Onofrio) in a memorable scene where Rochester revealed that she used to be engaged to Farthingale--Eddie, as she calls him. She wove a beautiful note of humor and bitterness into the fraught scene.

Underscoring each actor's individual choices and creating the world in which they operated was the set department (Drew Crawford and Colin Jones). They chose furniture and a backdrop that worked along with costumes to create the period setting and ensured cohesion between parts.

So, whodunnit? The audience may not know who stole Blanche Farthingale's necklace, but they can be sure of who performed an incredible play: Heritage High School.