In 1922, as the first eight students arrived on campus for the founding year of our school, The Cat and the Canary had just opened on Broadway. What would those students have thought if they knew that Broadway hit would be performed in the IMS Assembly Hall one hundred years later? 

To this day, the medium of melodramatic mystery still captures our attention. Movies like Knives Out, shows like Scooby Doo, and even games like Among Us all serve the same purpose: they pull us into a place of heightened action where danger is lurking everywhere, and we’re not sure whom to trust. 

In mid September, this cast gathered to read the play for the first time. They asked questions and prodded the script for deeper understanding. They thoughtfully questioned the intention of changes Ms. Tieger and I had made to the script. Then, at their suggestion, we read it again. They rewrote jokes, added clarity, and became collaborators in the entire process. The cast took ownership of the show, even before anyone stepped onto the stage. For their distinct vision in making this play relevant and exciting for today’s audience, I am grateful. 

I would also like to thank Craig Pecchia and his fall elective group of set designers and builders who worked tirelessly to elevate the work happening on the stage with a beautiful piece of art as a working set. And thanks to the remarkable Donald Sosin, whose improvisational music transported the actors and the audience into the style and setting of the play. 

It has been an incredible and rewarding process bringing this centennial play to life. Thank you to all who came out on a dark and stormy night for The Cat and The Canary.

– Danny Tieger

 

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