This weekend, Houghton College will be presenting House on the Cliff, a murder mystery by George Batson. Performed by a cast of only six Houghton students, House on the Cliff was chosen by Director Nic Gunning particularly for Halloween weekend and because of its riveting plot.
Although this is his first time directing a play at Houghton College, Gunning has also directed for the Valley Theatre. Gunning was excited about Batson's House on the Cliff because "it's clever and keeps you guessing." The play may sound unfamiliar to the average Houghton student, but that is part of why Gunning liked it so much. He explained, "because it's lesser known…it will be a bigger surprise."
The story takes place in the living room of an old house on a cliff, the closest neighbors being miles away. Widow Karen Clayton, played by freshman Alice Browning, and her step-daughter Ellen, played by sophomore Rachel Stowe, are struggling to cope with a family tragedy that took place months before. In the midst of their grief, the Claytons are joined by a permanent nurse and the handsome new doctor in town. Bizarre things start to happen as the group begins to interact, and drama ensues.
While there are only six people in the show, Gunning liked the overall tone it brought to the stage. The smaller cast is "a different experience, it has good energy and improves the way the actors interact." As the show progresses it is easy to see the vital importance of each performer on the stage. "Each character is a good role," Gunning explained. "Each of them has at least one line that is pivotal to the play."
Freshman Carly Trask, who plays the witty and straightforward nurse, also appreciates the small cast. "It's a lot more intimate with only six people; as opposed to a huge cast of forty…you make really good friends." These friendships were strengthened over the weekend, as the cast and crew, including Micah Warf, Kara Mastin on the lights and Hilary Gunning on the sound, got together and built the set. Sally Murphy also contributed her skills and time making the set look like a home. Their hours of effort paid off in the form of a multi-leveled set complete with a fireplace and artwork.
Everyone has put hours upon hours of hard work into making the show come alive. Whether in the daily rehearsals, building the sets, or learning lines on their own time, each student has gone above and beyond to make sure House on the Cliff is as good as possible. "It's time-consuming, but fun," explained Trask.
Complete with spooky effects, an enthralling script, and a suspenseful plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat, House on the Cliff goes above and beyond everything you would ever want in a murder mystery. "It's exciting, funny, mysterious," Trask pauses. When prompted for more she simply smiles and says, "Come to the show."
House on the Cliff will be showing Thursday, Friday and Saturday night at seven and a matinee at two on Saturday the 31st in the Tysinger Auditorium at Houghton Academy. Tickets are five dollars and will be sold during lunch and dinner Thursday and Friday. Tickets will also be available at the door.
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