The cast and crew of the Sierra Vista High School Theatre department once again illuminated the stage in their production of Tim Kelly’s, Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark. The SVHS Theatre proudly presented their fall play on October 17th, 18th, and 19th, chilling audiences with an interactive and comedic thriller.
Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark is set in the mid-twentieth century home of a recently deceased playwright, Sebastian Sly. The play’s purpose is presumably the reading of Mr. Sly’s will, but audiences soon discover secrets creeping around each corner, leaving them to ponder the death of the playwright. With storms brewing outside and an escaped lunatic known as, “The Creeper” on the loose, those invited to the reading of the will become trapped in the Sly estate.
After the arrival of Sly’s lawyer, Ms. Gloria Parr, played by Hannah Reed (11), the audience learns that Sebastian Sly died from poison, which subtly foreshadows plot twists. Not long after, drama critic, Ms. Sylvia Frye, played by Drama Club President Makayla Pacheco (12), arrives at the estate. Pacheco comments, “My experience playing Sylvia Frye was such an emotional growth experience for me. Within the role I was given the chance to explore “the villain” side of the story. Instead of playing the sassy upbeat characters I usually play. Sylvia Frye showed me how much my maturity has developed. Teaching me to set boundaries through my acting and within my real life. Taking her mindset out with me, finding healthy constructive thinking.”
As the show continues, the will reveals that in order for everyone to receive their share of Sly’s inheritance, they must remain at the estate for 24 hours and show no sign of “mental instability.” But, with The Creeper on the loose, the screams of retired Broadway actress, Ms. Velma Cringe, and the housekeeper Mrs. Bones now missing, all the guests quickly lose their sense of reality.
Ms. Velma Cringe, played by Madalyn Reiter (12), reveals that she saw The Creeper strangle Ms. Bones, played by Evangeline Hovind (11). In response, the Deputy, played by Tyler Sipes (12), the asylum worker, Ralph, played by Griffin Szemety (9), and Mr. Zip Whittle, played by Jaedon Burg (12), go on a wild chase to find and catch The Creeper, played by Keyawn Mitchell (12). This chase scene terrified audiences as The Creeper leaped off the stage, followed by the search party. Characters ran throughout the aisles and towards the back of the theatre, interacting with audience members and comically jumping into one another’s arms. Sipes comments, “My favorite scene was obviously the chase scene, not a long scene but easily the most memorable to me. The whole chase feels like it’s straight from an episode of scooby doo. Me and the others loved adding our own little bits of dialogue and movement, and of course, The Creeper jumping at the audience is easily the best part of it all. The interaction with them is what makes this play special.”
In a rapid ending, Sylvia Frye discloses the show’s plot twist: Sebastian Sly is alive, the Butler is Sebastian Sly, and the events throughout the play were all a show. Mr. Whittle and Lilac Cooper, played by Destiny McKenzie (12), are confronted by the cast of characters and Sebastian, played by Gabriel Longoria (11), attempts to take his final curtain call with a glass of
poisoned sherry. Sylvia, calling his bluff, drinks from the glass and dramatically meets her end, comically falling into the living room chair.
By popular opinion, the SVHS Theatre’s Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark, was an incredibly entertaining and engaging show. Sipes emphasizes, “[…] the overall aesthetic of the play, the spooky old house, and the weird guy creeping around and killing people really made it feel perfect for the spooky season of October.”
Sitting (Left to Right): Makayla Pacheco (12), Destiny Makenzie (12), Jaedon Burg (12), Madalyn Reiter (11) (Hannah Reed)
These dedicated SVHS actors return to the stage for spring musical auditions and an annual Comedy Night. An evening of laughs and improvisation, Comedy Night will be presented December 5, 2024. Mamma Mia! will be proudly presented on February 20, 2025, February 21, 2025, and February 22, 2025.
