'Murder on the 518' will keep you guessing

Over 30 students in the Bonners Ferry High School drama department have been hard at work in preparation for this week's performances of "Murder on the 518," a fun little murder mystery with a bit of black comedy thrown in. The debut performance is at 7 p.m. Thursday in the high school's Becker auditorium.

Written by Michelle Giles, the red-eye travelers on the westbound 518 are in for a surprise when first one passenger, and then another, drop dead before their eyes ... and just as the train is halted by a rockslide in an isolated canyon.

Apparently murdered by poison, everyone in the train dining car is suspect, and cast and crew have been so circumspect, even parents who've attended multiple rehearsals are going to attend, just to learn at last who done it!

Directed by performing arts teacher Kelly Collette, the play features Hallie Galbraith as the pesky paparazzo, Evelynn Mart and Samuel Genys as happy honeymooners, Elizabeth Bourassa as the lofty astronomy professor, Morgan Tye as the CEO, June Marshall as the pompous movie star and Megg Kahanek as the veteran ER doctor, to name just a few.

For some, Murder on the 518 is their first experience in a theatrical production. Others, such as Megg Kahanek, have been involved in BCSD #101 performing arts since kindergarten.

"It has been a great experience working with some many young people from this community," Collett said. "We have a cast of 28, rehearsing since the end of September and they have each contributed in their own way to make this an enjoyable production. This has been my first time directing a murder mystery, which has been a fun project to take on!"

Behind the scenes are stage managers Sophie Morgen, Amy Carver and Ellora Caplinger, Jenny Owens on sound, Cassie Phebus on lights and many more.

"A special thanks needs to go out to Heather Malone for all of the detailed work she has put in on the props," Colett said. "And I can't imagine doing a show without the multi-talented Jacqueline Schneider, who has done costumes for this production."

In addition to the Thursday performance, there will also be shows at 7 p.m. Friday, November 12, and Saturday, November 12, as well as a matinee at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 13.

Tickets are $5 at the door, and all are welcome to attend this family-friendly production and to keep right on guessing who done it right up until the the 518 pulls into the station!