The theater department performed its spring play, Deadline, on Mar. 5–7. The show is a murder mystery that combines suspense and humor as a group of writers compete at a mysterious retreat.

Sophia Hermreck, 12, is Brenda’s understudy, stepping in when needed and supporting the main cast throughout the production.

“The play this year is Deadline. It is a murder mystery about writers being led to a mansion for a writing retreat and competition to see who can make the best murder mystery, but there’s a twist and they have to kill each other,” Hermreck said. 

Quorynn Harris, 12, plays Vampetta, one of the key characters in the story. 

“I think that it is something new for Spring Hill High School. We haven’t really done a ‘whodunnit’ in a while, especially for a play. It’s fun to do something that’s out of our comfort zone.,” Harris said.  

Although the play has a darker premise, the cast said much of the humor comes from the characters and dialogue.

“I really like [the play]. It’s kind of ominous, but it’s mostly really funny.,” Hermreck said. 

This year’s production also included a change that made rehearsals and performances different from previous shows.

“The biggest difference is the existence of the understudy cast. We don’t usually do that, and the last time we’ve done this was my freshman year,” Hermreck said. 

For some performers, the play also marks a meaningful moment as their time in high school theater comes to an end.

“My favorite part about the play this year is it’s a full circle moment for me,” Harris said. “My first big role freshman year was Morticia, and that was when I realized that I was good at acting and I wanted to do it. That sparked the rest of my high school career in musicals and in theater.” 

As the final curtain approaches for senior performers, emotions surrounding the show are mixed.

“I am really upset that this is my last play, but I think it is a good one to end on,” Hermreck said.   

Despite the sadness of finishing their final play, cast members also reflected on the connections they built through theater.

“It’s definitely bittersweet. I think that if I wanted to go off on a show, it would be this show,” Harris said. “I’ve built more connections with people than I have ever done before. It feels like such a different community now than it has been, and I’m glad to leave my lasting legacy on new actors and new techies.” 

Harris also encourages other students to give theater a try, even if they are nervous about getting involved.

“If you’re scared to come try it, ease into it at first. You can put it on the audition form if you just want to be in the ensemble. You don’t have to be on stage, or you can be somebody that helps out with props,” Harris said. 

They shared that theater provides many opportunities for students to express themselves in their own way.

“There’s roles for everybody, and when there’s not, you can make new roles. There’s everything for everyone, and I don’t think people realize that. In sports, there’s post or libero, but in theater you can really make it your own,” Harris said. “ In theater, your voice, the way that you act, and the way that you go about the skills that you want to present to other people, that’s completely your own, and nobody else can dictate that.”

For Harris, the experience of performing has shaped more than just her time on stage.

“Theater has built not just the characters on stage, but my character, too,” Harris said. 

The performances of Deadline were met with laughter and applause from the audience who enjoyed both the suspenseful twists and the comedic moments.