Seamus Hagen guarantees everyone will be at the edge of their seats during the Bulkeley Middle School Drama Club production of “The Hound of the Baskervilles.”
Shows are scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, May 31 and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 1 with tickets costing $12 for adults and $10 for students/seniors. Visit https://our.show/bmshounds to purchase tickets in advance.
“You should expect a fun mystery that will leave you on the edge of your seat the whole time wondering what happens next. I feel it’s a great semi-modern adaptation of a classic,” Hagen, an eighth grade student, said.
“The Hound of the Baskervilles,” the third of fourth novels written by Arthur Conan Doyle featuring Sherlock Holmes, is a murder mystery based in England.
“The drama club students expressed interest in a comedy,” said Deedra Kaake, club adviser. “Vera Perry, the director, and I discussed several ideas for scripts, looking for a comedy appropriate to middle school. This version of ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ has the suspenseful elements of a mystery, some fantastical moments and a lot of humor! It can be run with simple sets and costumes, manageable by a mostly student-led stage crew.”
Hagen will play Barrymore.
“I think the character fits me fairly,” Hagen said. “It’s fun to be Barrymore because I get to be secretive at times. I do like that aspect of the character. His mannerisms are fun to act being all proper.
Hagen added, “I’m having a lot of fun. The community the other actors make is just wonderful and I’ve grown to be really good friends with all of them.”
Alada Kahn is performing in her first play and said the cast is doing a great job preparing for the show. The sixth grader plays the role of the messenger.
“I like being the messenger,” she said. “It’s a pretty low-key role. I have one speaking line where I clear my throat because I’m not getting a tip.”
Kahn added, “I just like acting and the group feeling. We have a good cast.”