If there’s one thing that can distract private detective Charlie Nickels, it’s lust: lust in the form of the promiscuous and conniving Mona Livingston. The devious redhead may seem harmless, but she sends Charlie and the gang on quite a hunt as they follow her tracks and misdeeds all around New York. Charlie and Mona, played by real-life lovers senior Zack Hackbarth and sophomore Emily Linch, are the main characters in this year’s fall play production of Kill Me, Deadly . Stolen jewels, heinous murders, scandals, sexuality and gangs are only to be expected of this action-packed play by Bill Robens. The cast of this year’s production has a variety of characters. Students from every grade have roles, and seniors are doing their best to integrate the freshmen with the more experienced Thespians. “Because I have the lead, I’m on the stage almost every second,” Hackbarth said, “It’s the biggest part I’ve ever had, and so far it’s been a really cool experience.” He wanted to start off his senior year with a bang, and in this play he’s able to do just that. Hackbarth’s character isn’t the sharpest detective in the world, and he needs a lot of help to keep him on track. Junior Anna Prozorov plays the saucy secretary who is the brains behind the entire operation. “I’m basically Zack’s ‘Friday-Girl’,” Prozorov said. Rehearsals are starting to get stressful with the nearing of the show. Things are wrapping up, lines are (mostly) memorized, cues are getting hit, lights are up, the stage is set, and the actors are buzzing with excitement. The nervous flutters in their stomachs are what ensure the greatness of this saucy show. The production has many different scene changes and technical work. The set is made up of offices, mansions, dingy streets, and even a car with a steering wheel. There are many separate set pieces that rotate and flip to expose other scenes and environments. The technicalities will make the viewing experience even more superb. As said by cast member and senior Sean Hanlin: “It shows the true side of the American gangster.” Some of the themes in the production are not very popular with the administrators. The original poster for the play included a gun, a cigarette, and a martini glass. Though these are important and relevant to the show, they were, apparently, not appropriate for the hallways. Everyone knows that the sketched-out image of a gun turns kids into serial killers. Even with the minor vulgarities, racy themes, and plethora of “moidahs,” many people are anticipating the opening performance. Right before the opening act, the actors will already have the audience on the edge of their seats in anticipation. They will be like Harry Potter fans waiting in line for the Deathly Hallows movie release. “The play is going really well so far,” senior Alex Canfield said, “The only downsides I’ve experienced are my many butter knife wounds in my arm thanks to Emily [Linch] during a stabbing scene. I have actually spilled my blood for this production.” The more experienced Thespians entered the production with open arms to the newcomers. One new face to the stage, junior Daniel Heddendorf, has been a spectacular addition to the group. “It’s the first play I’ve ever been in, and I was pretty surprised to find how welcoming they were,” Heddendorf said, “The experience has been raising the self-esteem levels, and you’ll probably be seeing ‘Old Uncle Daniel’ in more plays in the future.” The production is sure to be a hit. The time and effort the cast has put into the show will be obvious during their performances. Be sure to come out to support your classmates next weekend (November 5th and 6th), or they’ll knock yer lights out!