It was the climax of suspense, the contact of skin-chilling winds, and the swinging of the Yardley Community Center doors. On November 15 and 16, 2024, NHA put together a live production of Murder on the Orient Express, a well-known story with multiple iterations. At the beginning of the morning show on the 15th, Friday, the school-wide cast gathered at the YCC long before the audience. Makeup was applied, hair was tied, and the performers were ready to welcome all eyes to the stage–but not before our signature introduction from play director and music teacher, Jenna Parilla Alvino.
“This show was a very long time in the making,” director Alvino said in her welcoming speech, “both for our cast and directors.” Not long after the start of the school year, students were auditioning and preparing for their roles. Cast as the protagonist of the show, Claire Smith (‘25) played Hercule Poirot, a world-class, celebrated detective. Constantine Bouc, manager on deck, and attempted keeper of peace, was portrayed by Atlas Scarlata (‘25). The train car packed itself full of personality and life, gifted by the psyche on board; a loud-mouth, hot-headed, loquacious widow, Ms. Helen Hubbard, was played by Madeline Gorniak (‘26). A cunning, two-faced governess, Mary Debenham, and lover of the Colonel, was played by Samantha Szente (‘26). Chase Stoerger (‘26), cast as a seemingly oblivious, loyal servant, harboring a deep hatred for his own boss, performed as Hector Macqueen. Greta Ohlsson, a vibrantly emotional, passive, and compassionate missionary, was portrayed by Ana Torres (‘26). Noa David (‘26), played an unforgiving, threatening enemy-maker, Samuel Ratchett. Vanessa Sides (‘27), or Natalia Dragomiroff, was a wealthy Russian with a strength of will and self-preservation. Ness Francis (‘27), played Colonel Arbuthnot and lover of Ms. Debenham, strong and charismatic, yet with an uncontrollable temper. Alexander Stankavage (‘30), a willing follower of Constantine Bouc, was the dedicated yet immoral conductor of the Orient Express.
The full house mafia, packed full with Kamryn Holahan (‘28), who was also cast as the head waitress and nanny, Mark Massam (‘28), who was also an army officer, and Owen Check (‘28), who had also voiced the father and studio announcer, filled in for intermissions and scene-changes. Their scenes consisted of poker, jacks, or moving across the stage in the background with props such as suitcases or a bird cage.
The pit orchestra, formed by music instructors Chris Cinalli and Kyle Saint-Sauveur, played an outstanding and snappy soundtrack through every scene change and intermission. Guitar in this show was covered by rhythmists and bassists Kevin Reigner (‘28) and Caden Pastor (‘25), along with lead guitarist Chris Cinalli. Percussion and beats were handled by Eddy Roessler (‘25), as well as ambience and piano put together by Kyle St. Sauveur. The songs consisted of many well known tracks, such as Psycho Killer by the Talking Heads and the Pink Panther theme. Much of the audience, including students, teachers, and parents, declared this as one of the greatest student bands they had heard to date.
Truly, the show would not have been the same without the immersive, characteristic work of the tech crew. Flashbacks were highlighted by blue, gunshots highlighted by red, all directed by teacher Andrew Hay, added a necessary flavor and depth to the scene. Spotlights and directional lighting was largely handled by Atlas Barbanel (‘25) and Derek Roach (‘28), while overarching lighting was covered by Eden Haddock (‘27). Taking charge of sound and microphones, Gianna Ward (‘27) and Hannah Brozoski (‘28), kept every line at an intelligible, crisp and neat level.
On the night of November 16, after the final show, cast and crew alike were given roses and congratulated for their efforts. “For this being my last New Hope Academy play,” said Atlas Scarlata (‘25), “it was extremely emotional and euphoric. It was practically impossible to hold in my tears on closing night, and I am so extremely proud of this amazing and talented cast.” Though the night and show were over, the impact and memories will linger for a long time to come for each participant on each side of the stage.
