“Murder Box,” a mystery written by Reid Conrad, is Wiscasset Middle High School’s entry in the upcoming One Act Regional Drama Festival. The drama club under the direction of Jean Phillips performed its production in front of a live audience Tuesday evening in Stover Auditorium.

Described by its author as a “mixing of death and humor,” the story is about a down and out acting troupe coming to grips with the closing of its theater. If that wasn’t bad enough, one member goes on a killing spree dumping the bodies in an old magician’s box where they seem to mysteriously disappear.

Margaret, the director’s assistant played by Olivia Peaslee, is the sole witness to these horrid crimes committed by Marshall (Caleb Gabriele). But why is Marshall killing off the acting company?  And who will be next to wind up in the Murder Box? The cast succeeded rather nicely in keeping the audience in suspense until the play’s final minutes when all was revealed.

Phillips, who teaches English at WMHS, told the Wiscasset Newspaper she chose “Murder Box” for its surprise ending. It really does keep the audience guessing.

“We started rehearsing in my classroom after Christmas break. We couldn’t really get into the gym to use the stage until after basketball season ended,” she added.

Before the start of Tuesday night’s performance, she explained the cast and crew were still putting the finishing touches to their props and costumes. They’re also working on refining the lighting and sound effects. Following the performance, the audience was invited to critique the production.

Phillips has been directing the Drama Club’s one act plays since 2010. The festival’s rules limit the performance’s running time to 40 minutes, with five minutes of setup and five minutes to remove props. Phillips said she’s trimmed “Murder Box” down to about 38 minutes. “I’d feel better if we could maybe knock a couple more minutes off, but we’ve still got a few more days to practice.”

She said this year’s play features two seniors, Caleb Gabriele and Matt Chapman. “There’s a lot of junior girls and we’ve got some sophomores and freshmen.” The play features a cast of 12, although 23 students are involved with the production.

Louis is played by Mason Davenport; Binky, by Phongpak "Fitri" AeLang; Eve, Maxx Syrjala; Vera, Naomi Wood; Emily, Savannah Roberts; Madigan, Eleanor “Sabrina” Pearce; Stan, Matthew Chapman; Julia, Megan Syrjala; Priscilla, Jade Shipley and Jeanie played by Ty DeLong.

Phillips wanted to thank Principal Chuck Lomonte, Superintendent of Schools Terry Wood, and Debbie Gagnon for their help and also Ames True Value for its support.

Medomak Valley High School in Waldoboro is hosting this year’s festival. Wiscasset is the first high school to take the stage at 6 p.m. Friday, March 8. Schools participating in the festival are divided into two classes; class A for high schools of 500 students and over, and Class B for schools of 499 students and under. WMHS is among 48 class B schools competing.

Judges score each school using the Maine Drama Festival Scoring Rubric. The top school in each class will be selected as a finalist and will be allowed to compete at the state  level.