Limelighters Presents: A Murder is Announced
On December 6, 7, 13, and 14, the Leonia High School Limelighters presents A Murder is Announced based on the work of Agatha Christie. The set and the lights are ready as Leonia High School prepares to unveil its annual winter production. This play will bring students from all grades together to watch their peers showcase their hard work and talent in acting, dancing, and theatrical performances.
With backstage information from the hardworking cast, we will see the drama in the plot and melodies of the music, highlighting the dedication of our school’s theater community. The cast hopes to show their peers their performing arts skills in this unforgettable winter production. The chemistry and the family-like bond that the cast created with each other have helped the actors and the behind-the-scenes Limelighter members to stay committed to their roles and entertain their audience.
The dedication from presidents Natalia Kazbanov ’25 and Hudson Ascolese ’26 was instrumental in keeping the production on track, enhancing its overall success. These two Leonia High School students played a pivotal role in managing ticket sales, playbills, and social media.
Liv Meester ’25 could speak for everyone in Limelighters and says, “The fall production would not be the same without our junior and senior presidents, as well as our stage crew and booth. Our presidents Natalia Kazbanov and Hudson Ascolese do an incredible job motivating our cast and organizing ticket sales, playbills, and social media presence. Our booth and crew teams also help make this production what it is, working hard on light and sound cues and creating sets for our show.”
Liv went on to explain, “The fall production of A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie follows a story of a group of people as they experience a murder that was announced in their local paper. The show is full of deception, plot twists, and intrigue, making for an entertaining show.”
When asked what makes this winter production different from the previous productions, junior Hudson Ascolese says, “I think it’s hard to keep this answer short, because there’s so many different elements to this show that make it special. Of course, every show is different from the last—the people, the tone, the direction—but you only get to see a fraction of what goes into it, to make it so exciting. The chemistry between our current cast is fantastic, and everyone in the show plays their role phenomenally. The darker tone of the show juxtaposed with the occasional comedic lines is something that makes this show something unique. I hope it all shows when it’s performed, and I think it will.”
