“Dinner at Eight Dead by Nine”

For the first time since Covid, Rye High School's drama class performed a play, 'Dinner At Eight Dead By Nine.' The students, along with drama teacher Mrs. Anglin and band director Ian Watson, performed the dinner mystery Monday to a sold-out crowd.

“Dinner At Eight Dead By Nine,” a murder mystery comedy with a twist consisted of: Eleanor, a wealthy patron of the arts played by senior Tiffany Miller; Nick, the writer, director, and theater manager played by sophomore Gabe Garcia; Bungler, the disheveled detective played by sophomore Clara Chandler; Tommy Darby's intriguing boyfriend played by freshman Mason Holderman; Darby, a cute but bubbly teen with dark outbursts played by sophomore Mylee Garner; Dr. Rank, a theater guild member and veterinarian played by sophomore Audrey Bowler; Ramona, a highstrung, high-maintenance chef, played by sophomore Desiree Ruiz; Maggie Eleanor's personal secretary played by sophomore Mazzy Miller; Desmond a wealthy socialite more concerned with himself than others, Eleanor's nephew played by sophomore Carina Milne; Hadley, Desmond's wife, is just as insensitive, played by sophomore Hayley Bowler; and Nora Dumond, a mysterious, unhinged woman with an intriguing past, is played by freshman Ava Schrock.

The student’s performed the play showing the funny side and had a lot of fun putting it together. It certainly made the audience laugh along with the witty comments, to the messy twists and turns. The audience found out throughout the play that they were involved in the murder mystery as well. They were served the same spaghetti that possibly killed the wealthy guild theater patron. Mrs. Anglin’s cooking class prepared the food while Jesus Rogan-Bernal, Sarah Petitt, and Jaiven Bird served the actors on stage, and Bryce Sutherland, Greg Woodridge, and Kadence Dawson served the hungry audience. Ava Mahnke manned the sound and light board with the help of Mr. Watson and Zoey Tillery. Emma Garcia helped Mrs. Anglin with directing students and with set and prop designs.

Main character, Nick, played by Gabe Garcia said, “I felt really nervous when it first started but then I had a lot of fun during it and the overall experience was good.” It was indeed such an experience that this year's drama class will never forget. Here's to hoping Rye will have many more amazing plays such as this one so more students and members of the community can experience it too.