Lights, mystery, action! St. Anthony Middle School (SAMS) is ready for opening night with Murder on the 518 by Michelle Giles. When red-eye passengers aboard the westbound 518 begin mysteriously dropping dead and the train gets trapped, suspicion fills the dining car. Everyone is a suspect. 

Director and first-year SAMS theater teacher Maeve Mellen chose the show to bring student actors some variety. Previous productions were filled with fairy tales, fantasy, and lighthearted fluff. This time, students are dipping into mystery, mischief, and murder. Nearly 60 cast members will power this week’s performances with what Mellen calls “a strong ensemble that gets to be on stage.” The rehearsals have been buzzing with energy; students are eager to take notes and jump back into character. 

And the cast is fully leaning into the drama. “It’s the darkest play we’ve ever done,” chuckled eighth grader Mirabel O’Malley, who plays Avery, the quick-witted CEO of a pharmaceutical company. Classmate Mars Küffner summed it up easily: “It’s chaotic, but it’s fun.” During a recent rehearsal break, made better by popcorn and giggles, the excitement was contagious. As eighth grader Pearl Tong shared, “Our plays are usually unprepared, but they still come out pretty good.” This year, the enthusiasm has been “crazy in a good way,” according to Mellen. 

 

The cast and performances are broken up by city, Salt Lake City train riders and Los Angeles riders. Performances for the Salt Lake City cast are Friday, February 20 at 7:00 PM and Saturday, Friday 21 at 2:00 PM in the SAVHS/SAMS auditorium. The Los Angeles cast performs Saturday, February 21 at 7:00 PM and Sunday, February 22 at 2:00 PM. Tickets are free at the door, with donations accepted to support future performances. 

Opening night is almost here and the train is leaving the station. Join us in the mystery!