Middle School Players Sing

Their Way Through Hilarious Whodunit



 

Last weekend, middle school students took to the stage with “Curtains: Young@Part,” a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud musical mystery that delighted audiences and showcased the students’ growing skills as performers. This year’s production challenged the cast with its layered story, comedic timing, and ensemble-driven energy, and the result was a joyful and high-spirited performance that left the crowd cheering.

The show, a Broadway-style murder mystery set backstage during the chaotic opening night of a fictional musical, was a bold choice for a middle school cast. Part satire, part love letter to theatre itself, “Curtains” features a large number of roles, intricate group numbers, and a quick-moving plot, all elements that demanded focus, collaboration, and stamina from the performers.

We knew this would be a step up in complexity,” said performing arts teacher and director Amy Darnton. “But the cast was ready for a new kind of challenge, one that asked for talent, attention to detail, and a real sense of ensemble.

The story itself is about a detective trying to solve a murder while falling in love with musical theatre and navigating big personalities along the way. Julian Whitcombe ’31, who played the investigator, found his own experience mirrored the backstage drama as he balanced two productions, memorized a slew of lines, and brought both heart and humor to a demanding lead role.

For the first two weeks of rehearsals, I was performing in another play, so when I finally joined the ‘Curtains’ cast full-time, I had to catch up fast,” Julian said. “There were so many lines and so much blocking to learn, it was really challenging.

 

The role pushed Julian to grow as a performer. “I never knew I could make myself look that funny while acting,” he said.

“The role helped me learn to be serious, curious, and silly all at once, something I’ll definitely take with me.” Two standout numbers for him were “Show People” and “In the Same Boat,” both known for their fast-paced lyrics and intricate choreography.

“The songs were challenging, especially ‘In the Same Boat,’ because the lyrics move so quickly and it’s hard to pronounce everything clearly,” he said. “But I powered through it, and I’m really proud of how it turned out.”

The cast featured students with different levels of experience who were pushed in unique ways. Some performers worked on timing, character development, and voice control, while others were introduced to foundational acting skills, stage vocabulary, and the rhythms of a full-scale production process. The rehearsal period became a time to learn the show and an opportunity to build confidence, trust, and resilience.

“Once I knew all my lines, I started making character choices, focusing on facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice,” said Ella McKee ’29, who played Georgia Hendricks, a multifaceted character who embodies the spirit of theatre. “During the rehearsal process and the performance, I learned that you can channel nervousness into a better performance.” Darnton noted that the play’s themes of identity, decision-making, and teamwork align naturally with the emotional and social growth of middle school students. By taking on roles that required both vulnerability and boldness, the cast was able to explore complex emotions in a creative and supportive environment.

“This is exactly the kind of work that builds the foundation for a lifelong appreciation of the arts,” Darnton said. “It wasn’t just about getting the lines right; it was about growth, collaboration, and telling a story together. And they did that beautifully.” The production’s success was a testament to the Performing Arts program’s broader goals, and for Ella, it marked a meaningful step forward. “I will always remember how I doubted myself," she said, adding that the support she received from Darnton and the show's musical director, Eleanor Bach, was critical.
 

They told me I could do it and that they believed in me. Having teachers help build that kind of confidence in me is really nice.