Prepare to solve a mystery and laugh while watching the comedy-musical “Curtains,” a production by the Valley Central High School Drama Club that debuts this Friday.

Curtains is mystery-comedy musical written by Rupert Holmes with lyrics written by Fred Ebb music from John Kander. The 1950s musical follows the death of Jessica Cranshaw, the lead in “Robbin’ Hood,” and consequently the discovery of who was responsible. The show features bold and complex characters, including a Boston detective and a brassy producer.

Diretor Derek Devoe explained the decision making behind the choice of musical, which is vastly different from last year’s production of “The Wizard of Oz.”

“Last year was more of a children’s type show and we’d like to give the kids different kinds of theater as well as our community and they learn different skills from it; this year being something we’ve never done before, a murder mystery type of thing,” said Devoe.

“Curtains” uniquely features a show within a show, and many of the students will be playing actors, singers and dancers. Devoe stated how fun this type of show is for the students, especially since it’s set in a different time period.

“The kids are picking up and learning about the time period, about the certain words, language, behaviors, costumes and hairstyles,” Devoe mentioned.

“Robbin’ Hood” is the play within the play, and of course it needs a producer itself. Senior Madisyn Rivera took on this role, playing Carmen Bernstein, the bold producer. Rivera has been acting, dancing and singing since the age of three, and loves performing in front of the audience. She’s excited to play a powerful woman.

“She [Carmen] is a strong and powerful woman for her time and she is someone that girls should look up to,” said Rivera.

Tenth grader Devam Sprowls is playing Aaron Fox, the composer of “Robbin’ Hood” who is still in love his ex-wife, Georgia Hendricks. Fox, who makes sure to stay hydrated on show days, noted what he hopes audience members take away from the production.

“I want this performance to be one that someone can remember and look very fondly upon,” Fox mentioned.

Sprowls’ counterpart is senior Alix O’Connor, who describes Georgia as a fun character to play. “I loved the challenge of playing a role that had a lot of different aspects to her character. Georgia is a murder suspect, she takes on a new role in the show, and she is in the middle of a love triangle,” said Fox.
Devoe, who mentioned how great a theater group it is, explained why people should come see the show.

“Most people know that we put a solid production on here. I mean, it’s such a great team that I work with, the choreographers, directors and costumers. We really try to pick shows that the community is going to love to see, and seeing a comedy that’s a musical and murder mystery is something that I would encourage people to try; something new, you know, different,” Devoe mentioned.

Other important crew members are Assistant Director Justin Glodich, Technical Director Greg Jackson, Choreographers Diane Holbert and Abbey Doyle, Lighting Technician John Walker, Costume Chair Kim Carver and Sound Technician Eric Guaraneri. Nick Longo is in charge of props and pieces.

Showtimes are Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25 at 7 p.m., and a matinee on Sunday, March 26 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at https://vchsmusical.booktix.com/.