StettlerLocal.com February 7, 2024 at 11:07 pm
Director Darren Fleischhacker says Stettler's Wildcat Theatre is the first Canadian high school to stage the Don Zolidis play Deadline.
He also noted the Wildcat troupe is second theatre group in Canada to produce the play.
"We were almost first," he says, "but Camrose beat us to it."
Fleischhacker made the remarks when introducing the dress rehearsal on Wednesday, February 7. He noted the Wildcat Theatre troupe had been working hard on the play "for a long time".
Deadline is a murder mystery/comedy that takes place on a remote island in the North Atlantic. Seven mystery writers are invited to a "Deadline Challenge", and the winner is promised a coveted book deal.
The writers convene at the mansion of a famous and deceased mystery novelist, and are hosted by two feisty bellhops, a straight-laced butler, and a cynical barista.
There are lots of plot twists, and an ending that is a complete surprise.
Wildcat Theatre has done justice to this whodunnit. The "writerly" set, with its Gothic influences, is well-crafted and pulls you into the action. The costumes, too, are vibrant reflections of this eclectic group of writers.
The students have created outlandish yet believable characters. The actors build tension while giving the audience lots of laughs.
Deadline is a play that keeps you guessing. With this production, Wildcat Theatre sets a high standard for other Canadian theatre groups.
Deadline plays February 8-10, 2024 at the Stettler Performing Arts Centre.
