By: Makaila Auker, Tara Feltman, Emilie Gerig, and Sarah Irvin 

This year, a production of the play, A Lighter Shade of Noir, was performed by EJHS’s T.A.G. (Tiger Actors Guild) on November 10 and 11. Practice started in September and continued until the days of the production. Although the cast number was on a slightly smaller side, the production was a success and everyone had a fun time participating and watching the performance. The cast consisted of students from all 6 grades at EJ, and the junior class members were highlighted in portraying the play’s lead roles. Other students represented our school through their portrayal of the secondary lead and other characters, roles equally as important to the success of the play.

The play was was set in modern times, but made nods to the 1940s mystery style with which it originated; this included 1940s hairstyles and clothes. The lead, Trent Trowel (played by Nicholas Pillot) is your average 1940s detective, complete with monologues and all. However, the twist was that everyone (the other characters) were aware of his monologues, unlike the usual detective show. He is sent to a gala where he meets several other famous detectives, including Shirley Holmes (played by Rebecca Book), Ms. Beatrice (played by Makaila Auker), Inspector Eustache (played by Ben Varner), and Captain Duck (played by Cami Grocce). The detectives are presenting the priceless artifacts they recovered, but shockingly, the artifacts are stolen in the darkness! Each detective goes through their own investigation, but after a while, their scheming sidekicks, Dr.Watson (played by Robert Ferry), Jane (played by Tara Feltman), Ms. Flannigan (played by Sarah Irvin), Sargent Maloney (played by Macy Reynolds), and Mr. Silencieux (played by Josh Varner), team up to accuse their partners of the crime. However, in the end, the sidekicks are found guilty and the artifacts are found.

On the nights of the performance the cast was expected to be there early. The girls that needed their hair done were needed there by 5:30. The rest of the cast, this is mainly the boys, needed to be there no later than 6. The performance started at 7 and the audience started trickling in soon after 6. “It’s satisfying to watch how people react to walking through the door and seeing the cast in their costumes. Everyone wishes good luck to us and states how they enjoy coming to watch our every performance.” said a member of the production, Makaila Auker.

Both nights of the production were successful and the audience was very responsive each night. Responsive audiences make it even more thrilling and exhilarating to perform, the air feels electrifying when you have a good audience. After months of rigorous practices the cast pulled together and made a performance that was production worthy. TAG! Would like to give a big thank you to everyone who came out to see it. Stay tuned for the upcoming musical, Annie!