Open Forum

I know it's been asked a million times, but I need suggestions for a play for our net season!  We already know we're doing 2 musicals (You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown and High School Musical), but I still want to do a straight show for my non-singers.  I've got a big pool to pull from, but most of them aren't really "stars."  I've got a core group, but it's smaller than I've had in past years.  It's primarily a group of kids (even mix male/female) who have only ever been small roles or who have auditioned and not made it but have worked so incredibly hard to improve as much as they can.  
I think I want a comedic murder mystery, no less than 10 roles, possibly a chance to expand the cast.  But I'm also looking at Charlotte's Web; I just fear that it will be too juvenile for my kids, especially after Charlie Brown.  We just did The Crucible, so I certainly don't want anything too heavy. 
I'm at a loss!

------------------------------
Annie Rice
Spring Hill TN
------------------------------

Hello,
I have done two excellent murder mysteries that my kids had a blast with.  One was Ax of Murder - super simple set, takes place in an auditorium on an empty stage.  Need one very strong male lead.  The other was Nooses Off - this one is more challenging in the set and tech departments; however, if you have the resources to pull it off, totally worth it.  VERY FUNNY and the kids had a blast with it!
Good luck!

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Amber Hugus
Harmony PA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-02-2020 16:32
From: Annie Rice
Subject: The ever dreaded show selection

I know it's been asked a million times, but I need suggestions for a play for our net season!  We already know we're doing 2 musicals (You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown and High School Musical), but I still want to do a straight show for my non-singers.  I've got a big pool to pull from, but most of them aren't really "stars."  I've got a core group, but it's smaller than I've had in past years.  It's primarily a group of kids (even mix male/female) who have only ever been small roles or who have auditioned and not made it but have worked so incredibly hard to improve as much as they can.
I think I want a comedic murder mystery, no less than 10 roles, possibly a chance to expand the cast.  But I'm also looking at Charlotte's Web; I just fear that it will be too juvenile for my kids, especially after Charlie Brown.  We just did The Crucible, so I certainly don't want anything too heavy.
I'm at a loss!

------------------------------
Annie Rice
Spring Hill TN
------------------------------

Original Message------

Hello,
I have done two excellent murder mysteries that my kids had a blast with.  One was Ax of Murder - super simple set, takes place in an auditorium on an empty stage.  Need one very strong male lead.  The other was Nooses Off - this one is more challenging in the set and tech departments; however, if you have the resources to pull it off, totally worth it.  VERY FUNNY and the kids had a blast with it!
Good luck!

------------------------------
Amber Hugus
Harmony PA
------------------------------

I'm not sure, but if you Google the script names, they will come up.

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Amber Hugus
Harmony PA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-04-2020 15:17
From: Nancy Bernhard
Subject: The ever dreaded show selection

Happy New Year, all!

Amber, who are the playwrights for AX OF MURDER and NOOSES OFF? And, who are the licensers?

Thanks so much!

Nancy Bernhard

retired

Salinas High School

Original Message------

Hello,
I have done two excellent murder mysteries that my kids had a blast with.  One was Ax of Murder - super simple set, takes place in an auditorium on an empty stage.  Need one very strong male lead.  The other was Nooses Off - this one is more challenging in the set and tech departments; however, if you have the resources to pull it off, totally worth it.  VERY FUNNY and the kids had a blast with it!
Good luck!

------------------------------
Amber Hugus
Harmony PA
------------------------------

Consider The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie. Or if you decide to go with just a comedy look at It's not You, It's Me by Don Zolidis.

------------------------------
Shawn Sears
Miami FL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-02-2020 16:32
From: Annie Rice
Subject: The ever dreaded show selection

I know it's been asked a million times, but I need suggestions for a play for our net season!  We already know we're doing 2 musicals (You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown and High School Musical), but I still want to do a straight show for my non-singers.  I've got a big pool to pull from, but most of them aren't really "stars."  I've got a core group, but it's smaller than I've had in past years.  It's primarily a group of kids (even mix male/female) who have only ever been small roles or who have auditioned and not made it but have worked so incredibly hard to improve as much as they can.
I think I want a comedic murder mystery, no less than 10 roles, possibly a chance to expand the cast.  But I'm also looking at Charlotte's Web; I just fear that it will be too juvenile for my kids, especially after Charlie Brown.  We just did The Crucible, so I certainly don't want anything too heavy.
I'm at a loss!

------------------------------
Annie Rice
Spring Hill TN
------------------------------

TRAP by Stephen Gregg

------------------------------
David Kramer
Mt Sinai NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-02-2020 16:32
From: Annie Rice
Subject: The ever dreaded show selection

I know it's been asked a million times, but I need suggestions for a play for our net season!  We already know we're doing 2 musicals (You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown and High School Musical), but I still want to do a straight show for my non-singers.  I've got a big pool to pull from, but most of them aren't really "stars."  I've got a core group, but it's smaller than I've had in past years.  It's primarily a group of kids (even mix male/female) who have only ever been small roles or who have auditioned and not made it but have worked so incredibly hard to improve as much as they can.
I think I want a comedic murder mystery, no less than 10 roles, possibly a chance to expand the cast.  But I'm also looking at Charlotte's Web; I just fear that it will be too juvenile for my kids, especially after Charlie Brown.  We just did The Crucible, so I certainly don't want anything too heavy.
I'm at a loss!

------------------------------
Annie Rice
Spring Hill TN
------------------------------

I second Nooses Off it was so much fun, and a great challenge for kids.

------------------------------
Rebecca Black
Teacher/Director
Wayland MI
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-02-2020 16:32
From: Annie Rice
Subject: The ever dreaded show selection

I know it's been asked a million times, but I need suggestions for a play for our net season!  We already know we're doing 2 musicals (You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown and High School Musical), but I still want to do a straight show for my non-singers.  I've got a big pool to pull from, but most of them aren't really "stars."  I've got a core group, but it's smaller than I've had in past years.  It's primarily a group of kids (even mix male/female) who have only ever been small roles or who have auditioned and not made it but have worked so incredibly hard to improve as much as they can.
I think I want a comedic murder mystery, no less than 10 roles, possibly a chance to expand the cast.  But I'm also looking at Charlotte's Web; I just fear that it will be too juvenile for my kids, especially after Charlie Brown.  We just did The Crucible, so I certainly don't want anything too heavy.
I'm at a loss!

------------------------------
Annie Rice
Spring Hill TN
------------------------------

HI Annie, I sent you a private message.

------------------------------
Leon Kaye
Playwright for the Ages
Lhk@koa1.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-02-2020 16:32
From: Annie Rice
Subject: The ever dreaded show selection

I know it's been asked a million times, but I need suggestions for a play for our net season!  We already know we're doing 2 musicals (You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown and High School Musical), but I still want to do a straight show for my non-singers.  I've got a big pool to pull from, but most of them aren't really "stars."  I've got a core group, but it's smaller than I've had in past years.  It's primarily a group of kids (even mix male/female) who have only ever been small roles or who have auditioned and not made it but have worked so incredibly hard to improve as much as they can.
I think I want a comedic murder mystery, no less than 10 roles, possibly a chance to expand the cast.  But I'm also looking at Charlotte's Web; I just fear that it will be too juvenile for my kids, especially after Charlie Brown.  We just did The Crucible, so I certainly don't want anything too heavy.
I'm at a loss!

------------------------------
Annie Rice
Spring Hill TN
------------------------------

We just did a play called But Why Bump Off Barnaby. It was a lot of fun and the kids and audience really enjoyed it. It has a fun set with a lot of trick scenery. Good luck. I hope you find what you're looking for.

------------------------------
Ray Karns
Theatre Teacher
Wakefield School
The Plains VA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-02-2020 16:32
From: Annie Rice
Subject: The ever dreaded show selection

I know it's been asked a million times, but I need suggestions for a play for our net season!  We already know we're doing 2 musicals (You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown and High School Musical), but I still want to do a straight show for my non-singers.  I've got a big pool to pull from, but most of them aren't really "stars."  I've got a core group, but it's smaller than I've had in past years.  It's primarily a group of kids (even mix male/female) who have only ever been small roles or who have auditioned and not made it but have worked so incredibly hard to improve as much as they can.
I think I want a comedic murder mystery, no less than 10 roles, possibly a chance to expand the cast.  But I'm also looking at Charlotte's Web; I just fear that it will be too juvenile for my kids, especially after Charlie Brown.  We just did The Crucible, so I certainly don't want anything too heavy.
I'm at a loss!

------------------------------
Annie Rice
Spring Hill TN
------------------------------

I have done a one act play festival and allowed my seniors to direct and cast their own shows, which is always an option. 

------------------------------
Karen Wiebe
Drama Director
Burlington KY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2020 10:09
From: Ray Karns
Subject: The ever dreaded show selection

We just did a play called But Why Bump Off Barnaby. It was a lot of fun and the kids and audience really enjoyed it. It has a fun set with a lot of trick scenery. Good luck. I hope you find what you're looking for.

------------------------------
Ray Karns
Theatre Teacher
Wakefield School
The Plains VA

Original Message:
Sent: 01-02-2020 16:32
From: Annie Rice
Subject: The ever dreaded show selection

I know it's been asked a million times, but I need suggestions for a play for our net season!  We already know we're doing 2 musicals (You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown and High School Musical), but I still want to do a straight show for my non-singers.  I've got a big pool to pull from, but most of them aren't really "stars."  I've got a core group, but it's smaller than I've had in past years.  It's primarily a group of kids (even mix male/female) who have only ever been small roles or who have auditioned and not made it but have worked so incredibly hard to improve as much as they can.
I think I want a comedic murder mystery, no less than 10 roles, possibly a chance to expand the cast.  But I'm also looking at Charlotte's Web; I just fear that it will be too juvenile for my kids, especially after Charlie Brown.  We just did The Crucible, so I certainly don't want anything too heavy.
I'm at a loss!

------------------------------
Annie Rice
Spring Hill TN
------------------------------

It for sure feels strange to suggest a show that I haven't seen, read or even, you know, heard anyone talk about, but the new stage version of Clue is a getting a ton of productions, and it seems to check all your boxes: large cast, comedic murder mystery.

------------------------------
Stephen Gregg
Playwright
Venice CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-02-2020 16:32
From: Annie Rice
Subject: The ever dreaded show selection

I know it's been asked a million times, but I need suggestions for a play for our net season!  We already know we're doing 2 musicals (You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown and High School Musical), but I still want to do a straight show for my non-singers.  I've got a big pool to pull from, but most of them aren't really "stars."  I've got a core group, but it's smaller than I've had in past years.  It's primarily a group of kids (even mix male/female) who have only ever been small roles or who have auditioned and not made it but have worked so incredibly hard to improve as much as they can.
I think I want a comedic murder mystery, no less than 10 roles, possibly a chance to expand the cast.  But I'm also looking at Charlotte's Web; I just fear that it will be too juvenile for my kids, especially after Charlie Brown.  We just did The Crucible, so I certainly don't want anything too heavy.
I'm at a loss!

------------------------------
Annie Rice
Spring Hill TN
------------------------------

Look at Exit the Body or Nightwatch or Rehearsal for Murder. I especially liked the first one!!

Best of luck,
Sheila Newton
Mansfield, MA

------------------------------
Sheila Newton
Choir and Drama Director
Franklin MA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-02-2020 16:32
From: Annie Rice
Subject: The ever dreaded show selection

I know it's been asked a million times, but I need suggestions for a play for our net season!  We already know we're doing 2 musicals (You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown and High School Musical), but I still want to do a straight show for my non-singers.  I've got a big pool to pull from, but most of them aren't really "stars."  I've got a core group, but it's smaller than I've had in past years.  It's primarily a group of kids (even mix male/female) who have only ever been small roles or who have auditioned and not made it but have worked so incredibly hard to improve as much as they can.
I think I want a comedic murder mystery, no less than 10 roles, possibly a chance to expand the cast.  But I'm also looking at Charlotte's Web; I just fear that it will be too juvenile for my kids, especially after Charlie Brown.  We just did The Crucible, so I certainly don't want anything too heavy.
I'm at a loss!

------------------------------
Annie Rice
Spring Hill TN
------------------------------

Original Message------

I know it's been asked a million times, but I need suggestions for a play for our net season!  We already know we're doing 2 musicals (You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown and High School Musical), but I still want to do a straight show for my non-singers.  I've got a big pool to pull from, but most of them aren't really "stars."  I've got a core group, but it's smaller than I've had in past years.  It's primarily a group of kids (even mix male/female) who have only ever been small roles or who have auditioned and not made it but have worked so incredibly hard to improve as much as they can.  
I think I want a comedic murder mystery, no less than 10 roles, possibly a chance to expand the cast.  But I'm also looking at Charlotte's Web; I just fear that it will be too juvenile for my kids, especially after Charlie Brown.  We just did The Crucible, so I certainly don't want anything too heavy. 
I'm at a loss!

------------------------------
Annie Rice
Spring Hill TN
------------------------------

If you're willing to do a 10 person cast (5 and 5) I'd look at Musical Comedy Murders of 1940. Big set buts lots of fun

------------------------------
Shira Schwartz
Chandler Unified School District
Chandler AZ
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-02-2020 16:32
From: Annie Rice
Subject: The ever dreaded show selection

I know it's been asked a million times, but I need suggestions for a play for our net season!  We already know we're doing 2 musicals (You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown and High School Musical), but I still want to do a straight show for my non-singers.  I've got a big pool to pull from, but most of them aren't really "stars."  I've got a core group, but it's smaller than I've had in past years.  It's primarily a group of kids (even mix male/female) who have only ever been small roles or who have auditioned and not made it but have worked so incredibly hard to improve as much as they can.
I think I want a comedic murder mystery, no less than 10 roles, possibly a chance to expand the cast.  But I'm also looking at Charlotte's Web; I just fear that it will be too juvenile for my kids, especially after Charlie Brown.  We just did The Crucible, so I certainly don't want anything too heavy.
I'm at a loss!

------------------------------
Annie Rice
Spring Hill TN
------------------------------

May I suggest - "Murder by the Book" by Craig Sodaro, Pioneer Drama. 4 Men, 6 women. 

Writers dress as their favorite author (Christie, Dickinson, Twain, etc.), and come together to award Best and Worst of the year's mystery books. All is great until one dies...and then the next...the next...

Funny and exciting, box set, easy to stage, economical (though costumes do need to correspond with the author's historical period), and has the extra advantage of students exploring classic mystery tropes and stories.

Produced this play twice and a hit for both actors and audience.

Hope this helps!


Amy J. Miller
ITS Sponsor Troupe #8841
Ottawa High School
Ottawa Middle School
Neosho County Community College​

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Amy J. Miller
ITS Sponsor Troupe #8841
Ottawa High School
Ottawa Middle School
Neosho County Community College​
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-07-2020 10:55
From: Shira Schwartz
Subject: The ever dreaded show selection

If you're willing to do a 10 person cast (5 and 5) I'd look at Musical Comedy Murders of 1940. Big set buts lots of fun

------------------------------
Shira Schwartz
Chandler Unified School District
Chandler AZ

Original Message:
Sent: 01-02-2020 16:32
From: Annie Rice
Subject: The ever dreaded show selection

I know it's been asked a million times, but I need suggestions for a play for our net season!  We already know we're doing 2 musicals (You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown and High School Musical), but I still want to do a straight show for my non-singers.  I've got a big pool to pull from, but most of them aren't really "stars."  I've got a core group, but it's smaller than I've had in past years.  It's primarily a group of kids (even mix male/female) who have only ever been small roles or who have auditioned and not made it but have worked so incredibly hard to improve as much as they can.
I think I want a comedic murder mystery, no less than 10 roles, possibly a chance to expand the cast.  But I'm also looking at Charlotte's Web; I just fear that it will be too juvenile for my kids, especially after Charlie Brown.  We just did The Crucible, so I certainly don't want anything too heavy.
I'm at a loss!

------------------------------
Annie Rice
Spring Hill TN
------------------------------