During a stage production that begins Friday, December 12, South Aiken High School Drama Club students will answer the question, "But Why Bump Off Barnaby?"
Audiences will get the answer in a play that is both a mystery and complete farce.
“I had read 'Barnaby' before,” stated Ramona Parsons, an English and drama teacher at South Aiken for the past 11 years. “It made me laugh, and it’s a fun play for the kids.”
Parsons has directed high school plays for 25 years. At South Aiken High, she has presented 10 full-length plays and 11 one-act productions.
Last year, her students presented the comedy-drama “Lost in Yonkers.” In 2015, a cast of eight moved audience members with the powerful production, “The Diary of Anne Frank.”
“Barnaby,” however, is simply a goofy and entertaining good time. As the Samuel French Publishing Company describes it, the play quickly introduces Barnaby Folcey, who is struck down during a family gathering.
“While the bizarre group frantically tries to unmask the murderer, people vanish, poison is found in the sherry, and the police take forever to arrive,” the company describes the plot. There is also a secret treasure, an odd limerick and lots of potential doom ahead.
“These are wonderful, wonderful kids,” commented Parson of her various cast and crew members over the years. “I've seen them come out of their shells. It’s like starting with a house and building a home. It's hard, but they make it a family. A lot of alumni come back.”
Junior Blake Cannella, who appeared in “Lost in Yonkers” portrays a clueless police reporter.
“This play is hilarious and has a quirky tone,” he said. “It's an opportunity to work with people and make something greater than myself.”
For the third consecutive year, senior Hannah Cole is a member of the production crew. She serves as Parsons’ assistant, but her role has also evolved in helping where she is needed.
“It’s been an eye-opening experience to see what we can put together as teenagers,” Cole said. “I hope to find more opportunities like this when I get into college.”
Other cast members include Jacob Daignault, Carrington Mealing, Landon Wray, Jaden Napier, Ireland Combs, Isabelle Fontenot, Cece Crook, Georgia Wall and Emily Enos.
South Aiken High School Drama Club Production
2019 Production: “But Why Bump Off Barnaby?”
Performances (in the SAHS Auditorium): Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
Cast Members: Jacob Daignault, Blake Cannella, Carrington Mealing, Landon Wray, Jaden Napier, Ireland Combs, Isabelle Fontenot, Francenia Crook, Georgia Wall and Emily Enos.
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LINK TO DISTRICT PRESS RELEASE: 2019 PR SAHS BARNABY PLAY PREVIEW