Alden-Conger presents one-act plays

Published 9:50 am Thursday, November 12, 2009

Alden-Conger School’s drama department will present two one-act plays Nov. 20-22 that are sure to rouse some laughs.

Opening with “The Mystery of Mouldy Manor,” a one-act mystery farce by Ted Westgate, students will present the story of Nick Sherlock, a private eye, who gets a frantic call from a woman named Jennifer, who is being held prisoner because she is the potential heir to a ruby. In Sherlock’s efforts to save the girl, he narrowly escapes death.

After a brief intermission, students will then present the second play, “Kiss Me Quick — I’m Double Parked,” which is a one-act romantic farce.

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In this play, a young dentist is on his way to get married, when his bride is trapped on the 22nd floor of a building because of an elevator strike.

There’s picketing going on outside, utilities people digging up the sidewalk and a broken gas main which threatens to blow up the building.

Director Crystal Schatz said she picked the two plays based on how entertaining they were and the number of characters available for students interested in performing.

“I think the audience will get a few laughs, some surprises and the chance to see the kids of Alden-Conger perform,” Schatz said. “The cast is working hard on putting together a show that will entertain and engage.”

She said the cast is made up of 18 students grades six through 12. There is a crew of about 10, along with four ushers and four dancers.

While rehearsing, she said, the students have had many laughs as they’ve learned their lines.

“The kids really enjoy coming to practice and enjoy the plays we are rehearsing,” Schatz said.

She noted “The Mystery of Mouldy Manor” has some implied stage violence and an offstage death. “Kiss Me Quick — I’m Double Parked” has some mild swearing.