'Absolutely Murder' this weekend at Palmerton

Students from Palmerton High School have been rehearsing for three months for the production of a murder-mystery play.

The play titled "Absolutely Murder" revolves around a girl named Kate Landsen and her Aunt Bess. They are looking to purchase an abandoned mill and convert it into a modern home. Kate's two love interests, Sky Bentley and Lane Burrage, complicate things when they try to win her affection.

The play takes some twists and turns as mysteries begin to be unveiled at the mill. Mental patients and doctors arrive, hidden plots unfold, and murdered bodies are found, only to disappear. Ultimately, the puzzle unveils itself to the audience, and the murderer is revealed in a dramatic conclusion.

Drama Club adviser Brent Harris said the play is more challenging than those the group has performed in the past.

"The dialogue is much more involved, and the emotional highs and lows emerge more frequently," he said. "It also includes a more limited cast, which allowed our production to develop as more of a workshop than a traditionally directed show."

The cast includes: Emel Rasim as Kate, Jaelyn Rehm as Sky, Alex Crispo as Aunty Bess, Sydney Geist as Mrs. Ranch, Sean Hall as Lane, Owen Mendes as Dr. Hooker, Caytlin Bloss as Lorna, Mikayla Wilkins as Nan, Senia Smith as Dottie, Matthew Binder as Charlie, Sierra Hahn as Emmeline, Victoria Bruer as Nurse, Zeke Himmelwright as Mr. Cordyce, and Kayleigh Snyder as Mrs. Cordyce.

The performances will be held today, Friday and Saturday in the Palmerton Area High School Auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The show will begin at 7 p.m. Admission is $5. There will be a 15-minute intermission with refreshments available from the school's Future Business Leaders of America.