Middle School drama department to present ‘Mystery on 13th Street’

The stage is set, and the spotlight is ready to shine on Tea Area Middle School’s upcoming theatrical production, Mystery on 13th Street, promising an evening of entertainment and surprise. Scheduled for Friday, Nov. 17, and Saturday, Nov. 18, at 7:00 pm in the Tea Area Middle School Gymnasium, this play is sure to captivate the audience.

The storyline revolves around young members of a community club seeking the assistance of the town’s eccentric inventor, Dr. VonDrugen, played by Luke Wharton, to help with a cleanup project at a local park. However, things take a curious twist as the go-getters find themselves trapped in Dr. VonDrugen’s house, with mysterious disappearances and strange occurrences happening all around. The rumors start to circulate – is Dr. VonDrugen a mad scientist transforming children into cats? To add to the chaos, a group of school mean girls arrives to scare the students away. They fear losing their hangout spot if Dr. VonDrugen helps clean up the park. Just when you think things can’t get any weirder, they do, leaving everyone, including the audience, in a state of surprise. The play features fun and quirky characters with plot twists that will make it the cat’s meow.

The play is directed by Mary Beth Sutton, with sound and lighting managed by Paul McCarvel, and music produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc. of Engelwood, Colorado. Special thanks is also extended to Mrs. Kamps, High School Art Teacher, and Maxwell Wilken, Tea Area High School Senior, for their artwork contributions to the production.

The following is the cast of characters: Dr. Von Drugen - Luke Wharton; Mrs. Von Drugen - Irelynn Sandman; Katrina Von Drugen - Brooklyn Zediker; Skippy Von Drugen - Stetson Bartelt; Herbert - Ensel McGraw; Missy - Jannah Ricaldi; Erin - Kaelee Taylor; Deb - Lola Underberg; Franklin - Dawson Lowery; Rachel - Aspen Johnson; Cat - Audrina Schaunaman-Schaaf; Gloria - Rachel Row; Snoopy - Rory Crawford; Joe - Ben Will; Tonya - Rilyn Caldwell; Tammy - Addie Mitchell; Tracey - Sylvia Will; Regina - Harper Heier; Gretchen - Payson Karpinen; and Karen - Kylia Voigt.

Crew members include: Assistant Student Director: Trista Smith; Properties Manager: Sophie Larson; Sound Effects: Jayson Ysker; Spot Lights: Eric Huniker and Collin Schilling; Main Lighting: Ava Anderson and Lucy VanderWaerdt; and Microphones: Eleanor Mertes.

The Tea Area Middle School production promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, surprise, and a cast of talented young actors ready to showcase their skills. Mark your calendars and don’t miss this exciting performance on Nov. 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. in the Tea Area Middle School Gymnasium.