By Tony Vo
A few days ago, I went to see Fountain Valley High School (FVHS) Theatre’s newest play, “Murder Runs In the Family.” As I went in, I took the front seat and planned to simply sleep and record the whole thing for my friend, but when the lights went out, I sat up straight, wondering what was going on.
The play begins with a conversation between Winifred, played by sophomore Renata Murg-Armenta, and Mirium, played by junior Kaelin Tran, where we learn that Mirium’s husband, Benard, has died from a heart attack—or did he? Now, Mirium has invited her family to her home so they can learn about the inheritance her late husband gave her, which will be announced at midnight.
The scene moves onto senior Kendall Hester’s character, Heather Pallfeather with her fiancé, Jack Sparks, who is played by senior Mason Liger. She suspects that her stepfather had died due to foul play, so she’s here with her fiancé to figure it out.
As they try to discover the cause of her stepfather’s death, we get introduced to the other family members: Kathleen and Colleen, the bright pair of twins both played by senior Katie Miller, Maxine, the intimidating and cold cousin who is played by junior Kyla Le, and Patricia Puryd and Claude Purdy, the flirty aunt and convicted uncle respectively, played by freshmen Lydia De La Torre and Logan Yu. As they wait for Aunt Zelda, played by senior Alaisha Martone, a messenger, played by junior Naomi Blanco and senior Anna Clark respectively, arrives at their house, only mere moments before getting shot in the back.
Now, the tables have turned even more, as Jack tries to figure out who could’ve done it.
This play has an amazing balance between comedy and mystery, sharing some giggles and suspense that made me almost jump out of my seat. During the intermission, audience members will have the chance to participate in solving the case.
The acting and production was amazing, even for a dress rehearsal. The lighting and setting give you an unsettling vibe in a cozy looking home. From the actors and backstage directors, everyone did amazing as they made one of the most intriguing and funniest murder mysteries I have ever seen.
