Trinity Faught, Tyra Ludvigson, Nichelle Thorton, Alex Hendrick, and Brynne Tedford perform during March 17-19th “Out of Sight, Out of Murder”. (Photo: Emma Avilla)
VVHS, Mesquite, NV-
Kelly Zarndt has done it again! The Virgin Valley High School drama teacher’s latest endeavor, “Out of Sight, Out of Murder,” kicked off the first two spring plays at VVHS. The murder mystery was performed March 17-19, 2022, by a small cast of nine drama club students at the high school auditorium on the Virgin Valley High School campus at 820 Valley View Dr. in Mesquite, NV.
The performances were on March 17th and 18th at 5:00 pm, with March 19th being at 2:30 pm. All tickets were $5.00 each.
“Out of Sight, Out of Murder” was rehearsed for only five and a half weeks before the first performance. Students worked hard to memorize lines and get into character while enjoying other extracurriculars and maintaining grades, a challenging feat.
Mrs. Zarndt stated, “Through all of the rehearsals and performances, the students did an amazing job!”
Curtain opened on March 16th for what was known as “youth night,” and the actors’ hard work was put on display.
Senior actress Ada Avilla stated, “This play was one of my favorites, I loved the cast, and we all worked well together. I had loads of fun, and everyone got into character so well!”
All cast members shined during each night’s performance, but Saturday was particular. Mrs. Zarndt said, “Saturday night, I think, was one of their best performances. I am so incredibly proud of what they did, and I hope that they are proud of it as well.”
The cast grew united and, as a result, had a difficult time parting with the seniors. Following Saturday’s matinee performance, Travis Terry, the lead “Peter Knight” in Out of Sight, Out of Murder, was congratulated and recognized in the show. These seniors included: four actors, Ada Avilla, Trinity Faught, Madison Marshall, and Alex Hendrick; two tech crew members, Myrium Ramierez and Joycie Le; and one student director, Lydia Wakefield.
Mrs. Zarndt’s plays are beloved by the community and, most importantly, the student actors themselves.
Junior student Travis Terry said, “I love being able to be on stage and perform, no matter how many times we mess up a line or how many people attend. This was one of my favorite shows to perform, and I am so grateful that I had this opportunity.”
Brynne Tedford, who played the saucy maid, added, “This play has been an absolutely amazing and fun experience! I chose to do this play because I feel like my real emotions could really show with my character. VVHS theater has become a great outlet for the students.”
Brynne continued saying, “I realized theater was a place where I could be myself.”
Mrs. Zarndt has created a wonderful atmosphere of acceptance and lightheartedness through the theater.
The theater program is excited to announce a second spring show titled Radio Suspense Theater: The First Episode. The comedy and actors will debut April 6-9, 2022, and performances will be at the high school theater and times will be announced later. For more information about the high school theater program contact the Virgin Valley High School Main Office by phone at (702) 346-2780.
