As of Saturday, December 17th, the Drama Club of Gouverneur High School has officially put on its first public production in several years. The club was revived by several dedicated students and staff who have worked tirelessly to create a functioning theatrical performance. Directed by Michael Bason, a Gouverneur High School teacher, and assisted by student director Allison Carvel, a senior, the club was able to put on two performances over this past December. “Three Doors to Death,” was an interactive murder mystery in which Gordon Forest, played by Hazen Given, was murdered during the rehearsal of a play that was, ironically, also a murder mystery. The lead detective, played by Maxwel Lucas, takes the audience through the investigation to find the supposed killer. He was assisted by Officer Garret, played by Jack Schroeder. It culminates in a grandiose unveiling of the suspect, at which point the audience is given a choice: arrest the killer or give them a way out. Throughout the three performances, Mariah Manning, Tiamane Hull, and Faith Leader each were revealed as the killer and the audience and actors alike enjoyed the impromptu performance of the grand finale. Niciara House-Bowman, Allison Carvel, and Akaysha Shippee-Ray were suspects in the performance as well. The second play, “Mack to the Past,” was a play on the classic film “Back to the Future,” and included a crossover between Shakespearean England, and modern day. It opened with a boy, Mack, played by Jack Schroeder, who unwillingly traveled four-hundred years into the future, finding himself endeavoring to understand life in the 21st century, as well as working to get back to the past and solving highschool romance along the way. The mischievous Robin Goodfellow, a character created by Shakesphere in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” was played by Allison Carvel, who orchestrated the entire event in order to find some excitement. This play featured: Faith Leader, Tigran Sahakyan, Jaylynn Dalton, Tiamane Hull, Maxwel Lucas, Akaysha Shippee-Ray, Mariah Manning, Niciara House-Bowman, and Hazen Given. Both of the productions were incredibly successful, and the audience was greatly appreciated in their attendance and participation throughout both performances. Allison Carvel described her experience as both a leader and an actress in the play, stating, “It was an amazing experience for all of all of us and I am very glad that we are bringing back the drama club.” In addition, a committed group of stage crew members were crucial in being able to put on the play at all, and so we would like to thank those who made up stage crew, lights, and sound for their hard work and devotion to the club: Mya Connor, Alexis Dake, Sylvia French, Ava Bartholomew, Carly Bartholomew, Gavin Davis, Kaden Wells, Shane Muyano, and Maddison Hopper. Michael Bason, the director, has attested to the commitment of all the members, describing their hardwork and dedication to the cause: “I am very proud of the work that these students did and despite setbacks they were able to put together a performance and do a great job.” In the spirit of theater and the performing arts, we look forward to continuing this tradition for many years to come, and hope to have many more performances in the future which will keep theater alive in Gouverneur High School.  

Gallery • 6 Photos

Michael Bason

Three Doors