Closing the year with Curtains
April 16, 2015
The murder mystery-centered story of “Curtains” begins with Madame Marian, played by faded film star diva Jessica Cranshaw, who proceeds to take her customary bow and, after receiving two bouquets, collapses behind the curtain. With a dramatic start, the next scene shows a play of the characters questioning why they received a bad review, leaving the audience wondering as well. While everyone remains in negative spirits, Belling, the show’s director, asks cast member Georgia to sing Madame Marian’s opening number, which ends up stunning the cast and landing the role as the new lead. Suddenly, both the cast and audience are informed that Jessica Cranshaw has been killed, introducing the Homicide Lieutenant Frank Cioffi, who explains that no one can leave the theater because they are all suspects of the murder.
“I already hold a high standard of plays of Palmetto, but this performance blew me away,” senior Megan Quintana said. “The costumes, the set, and the choreography were fantastic and I could not stop admiring every aspect of the musical.”
Cioffi pieces the missing parts together and correctly identifies the murder. In an intense scene, the killer is revealed. Cioffi showcases his bravery by demonstrating his ability to stop the next killing, save a person’s life, and even perform in the lead’s role in the final musical act. Because of his courage and talent, Carmen Bernstein, the producer, gives Cioffi her praise and gratitude by naming him the much wanted title of one of the “show people” and leaving the audience to admire his heroic actions as the final curtain falls. .
“Being on stage the night of the performance is like entering Grand Central Station,” senior and actress Kristina Perez said. “Adrenaline is pumping through everyone and nobody is without butterflies, but the nerves and the excitement of it is just what you want, because that extra kick is what will take your performance from good to memorable.”
