Montini Catholic High School drama students are celebrating the success of their Fall Play, Murder on the Orient Express.  The Agatha Christie mystery, directed by Ms. Jackie Martin, delighted audiences with two separate casts performing a total of six performances from November 13 through the 17th. "It was a busy fall with over 40 students coming together to work on this production," said Ms. Martin who is enjoying her third year directing Montini theatre. "Our double-casted students benefited from being able to share ideas, support one another and celebrate diverse talents." The students were thrilled to be able to participate in a special Faculty/Staff performance on November 13th as well as a performance for grade school students (Friday, November 15th) followed by a 'talkback' - answering questions and describing what it takes to bring a production like Murder on the Orient Express to the stage.

In addition to her talented casts (2) and crew, Ms. Martin was grateful for the talents of Montini's Music Director and Fine Arts Chair, Mr. Donnie Glowinski and costume designer (and teacher) Mrs. Beth DiMarco. She also thanked Mr. Charlie Brewick and Mr. Jeff Nowicki, set designers. "It's no secret that putting on a production takes extraordinary efforts and dedicated individuals. I am thankful to them for helping to provide many opportunities for our students to learn foundational theatre skills."

"Murder on the Orient Express is a celebration of (Agatha) Christie's storytelling genius," added Martin. "Her characters, flawed and multifaceted, remind us that even in our pursuit of truth, we are often confronted with questions that may never have simple answers. The students and I explored not only the suspenseful thrill that Christie so brilliantly crafts, but also the moral ambiguity that emerges as the story progresses. How do we judge right from wrong with justice seems to blur. We hope that our audiences were entertained and left pondering the themes of justice, compassion and human nature."

Next up for Montini Theatre is Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - coming in March 2025.