| Reporter assisted by AI
DOVER − The Dover High School Thespians are set to kick off the 2025-2026 school year with the murder mystery “The Grande Demise,” according to a community announcement.
Set in the early 1930s, the story unfolds during an open house for a vacant vaudeville theater. The plot centers around realtor Michael McShifty, played by sophomore Noah Beachy, and his assistant Autumn Drivemore, portrayed by junior Allisynn Hamsher. They represent playboy Phillip Le Grande, played by freshman Max Cooley, who has run his family’s beloved theater into the ground.
As the story progresses, it becomes evident that everyone has a motive for wanting Phillip dead. The cast includes a washed-up vaudeville actress, a successful movie actor, Phillip’s best friend from college, a former actress and her family, a costume designer, a choreographer, a stagehand, a florist struggling with doubled rent, and a homeless man evicted by Phillip.
The twist? The audience plays a crucial role in determining the outcome. With the audience’s help, the first U.S. female detective, Molly Goodman, played by senior Madeline Luellen, will interrogate all of the suspects, and then the audience will vote to decide exactly who the murderer is.
The script was written and is being directed by Tom Morris.
“The Grande Demise” will be performed at 7 p.m. Nov. 20, 21 and 22. All tickets are general admission and $5.
This story was created by Jane Imbody, [email protected], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.
