Murder in the Theater? John Jay’s Proscenium Presents Curtains—A Musical Mystery Awaits!

Did someone say "Macbeth" in the theater? It certainly seems like it! Curtains: The Musical opens on the premiere night of Robin Hood, but when the lead actress is murdered during curtain call, chaos ensues. The entire cast and crew become suspects in this thrilling whodunit. Could it be the show's producer, Carmen Bernstein, played by Kelly See? Or aspiring Broadway actress Niki Harris, portrayed by Layla McNeil? Or will the true culprit be the most unexpected of all? Either way, Curtains will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. "It will make you question everything," McNeil teased.

Bringing a musical to life is no easy feat. High school students juggle their daily responsibilities with the rigorous demands of rehearsal. However, their passion drives them forward. "Sometimes you have to give up a few things you 'like' for what you 'love,'" McNeil reflected. One of the biggest challenges for See was understanding her character’s development. "That was tough, but with the help of Mr. DeNardo, I was able to get a good grasp on who Carmen was," she explained.

The production, which runs for two and a half hours, is a collaborative effort between the cast, crew, and pit orchestra. "You can’t have this show without everyone involved, and I love that," See shared. Preparing for Curtains has required extensive vocal training. "There are a lot of long notes, but it's been getting easier and easier," she added. A fellow member of Proscenium, the school's theater company, noted that memorizing different harmonies was particularly challenging, while another highlighted the exciting choreography. "Our phenomenal choreographer, Cynthia, has adapted to every obstacle thrown at her, and her choreography is spectacular," See praised. "There’s something for everyone."

For the seniors, Curtains marks their final performance with Proscenium, making it an especially meaningful production. "My favorite part of Curtains is watching people grow as performers," McNeil reflected. "No matter if you’re in the ensemble or a lead, you're always growing, and it’s so beautiful to witness it happen right in front of you."

With dynamic choreography, lively music, and an intriguing plot, Curtains promises to be an unforgettable show. "It’s so fun and comedic, and overall just such a wonderful production," McNeil enthused. "I'm excited for everyone to see how much work we’ve put into this," added See.

Support Proscenium by attending Curtains on March 28, 29, and 30 to experience the magic for yourself!