Liberty’s ‘Murders of 1940’ resounds with mystery and fun

By RICHARD A. ROSS

LIBERTY, NY — What could be more fun than a campy mystery that keeps the audience guessing until the very last scene? Liberty High School’s production of the John Bishop farce, “Murders of 1940,” replete with lights suddenly going out, corpses showing up in closets, Nazi saboteurs and phones going dead, captivated an amused and appreciative audience on December 8 through 10 with the production directed by seniors Miranda Hardy and Amarynth Sichel. The young women, both of whom have a great passion for theatre, initiated the idea for the production and did a fine job preparing the talented cast (see last week’s River Reporter).

Sichel and Hardy follow in the footsteps of their sisters, Corianna and Morgan respectively, who once graced the stage in a variety of Liberty productions including “Annie.” Morgan began her interest in stage design and directing while at Liberty, where she directed “The Children’s Hour.” This past weekend she directed a Steven Sondheim musical production at Columbia University.

Julie Babson served as the adviser. It was her first endeavor of this sort and she deserves kudos for her efforts, as do all of those who helped to keep the tradition of fine theatre alive and well at Liberty.

Click here for an album of pictures from the show.

Speaking of fine theatre, don’t miss Monticello High School’s production of Arthur Miller’s stirring drama, “The Crucible,” which will be performed this coming weekend in the high school auditorium. Look for a review of the show and an album of pictures in next week’s River Reporter.