Build Belonging
Director’s Note
You are cordially invited to the drawing room at Little Paddocks in the sleepy English village of Chipping Cleghorn to be a witness to murder most foul.
A Murder Is Announced debuted in 1950 and was Agatha Christie’s 50th mystery novel. It marked the seventh appearance of the sharp and witty master sleuth Miss Marple.
Our dramatic adaptation pairs the brilliant Miss Marple with the long-suffering Inspector Craddock as they attempt to deduce which member of well-regarded villager Letitia Blacklock’s household could have murdered the mystery man who appeared at the door after a cryptic message in the morning edition of the Chipping Cleghorn Gazette.
In classic form, the pioneer of the cozy mystery novel delivers a thrilling tale of hidden identities, deep dark secrets, mysterious strangers, and, of course, a red herring or two.
Jewell Handy
ST. AGNES ACADEMY ARTS PRESENTS
A Murder Is Announced
BY AGATHA CHRISTIE
Adapted for the stage by LESLIE DARBON
A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED is licensed and produced by permission from Concord Theatricals
Scenic & Lighting Design
JON BONNER Sound Design
Production Stage Manager
MAGGIE TOUMA ‘26
Assistant Stage Manager
SEBASTIAN PUERTO ‘26
Stage Management Mentor
RACHEL PIERO
Assistant Director
NANDINI VANODIA ‘26
Director
ARTHUR W. BUCKLEY THEATRE
October 2-6, 2024
JEWELL HANDY
ROBERTO AGUILAR
THE CAST
JULIA SIMMONS ...........................................................................
LETITIA BLACKLOCK .....................................................................
Maddie Plummer ‘27
Maryam Zaafran ‘26
DORA BUNNER ..................................................................................
Ruent Anselm ‘27
PATRICK SIMMONS ..............................................................................
MITZI .................................................................................................
MISS MARPLE ...............................................................................
PHILLIPA HAYMES ..........................................................................
Jacob Wildy ‘25
Virginia Daily ‘28
Amaya Gangjee ‘25
Andrea Willman ‘26
CLARA SWETTENHAM .......................................................................
EDMUND SWETTENHAM ................................................................
Flores Moreno ‘28
Patrick Forrester ‘27
RUDI SCHERZ ....................................................................................
James Gillett ‘28
INSPECTOR CRADDOCK ......................................................................
Drew Bemis ‘27
SERGEANT MELLORS ................................................................................
Avery Ro ‘27
THE CREW
PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER ..........................
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER......................................................
RUN CREW ....................................................
Maggie Touma ‘26
Sebastian Puerto '26
Emma Johnston ‘27, Kendall McClure ‘27
Aislinn O Suilleabhain ’27
Brianna Smiley ‘27, Shana Still ‘25
Sabrina Tamm ‘27, Hillary Tang ‘26
LIGHT BOARD OP .........................................................................
MASTER ELECTRICIAN ................................
SOUND ..................................................................
Meredith Bonner ‘28
Lola Ridgway ‘26
Sarah Macey ‘28, Gabrielle Vu ‘27
COSTUMES ................................................................
HAIR & MAKEUP ..............................................
Piper Egan ‘25, Molly Vance '25
Maddie Escobedo ’25, Donna Hren ‘25
PRESHOW CREW .................................................
Sydney Cran ‘28, Chioma Omeh ‘27
Beatrix Sanregret ‘28, Emily Vu ‘26, Lily Webber ‘26
POST SHOW CREW ...........................................
Meredith Bonner ‘28, Lily Gaidosik ‘28
Franchesca Hackenberg ‘28, Vivienne Irby ‘28
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Marie-Agnes Phan ‘28, Marie-Jeanne Phan ‘27, Audrey Plop ‘28 ...........................Ricky Ragazzo ‘26
MARKETING TEAM .................................................
Drew Bemis ‘27, Laila Holloway ‘25
PAINT CREW ...............................................................
Design for Theater Class FA ‘24
SYNOPSIS OF SCENES
SETTING
The action takes place in two drawing-rooms in an early Victorian house in Chipping Cleghorn which have been made into one room
ACT ONE
Scene I: THE MORNING OF FRIDAY THE 13th
Scene II: 6:10 PM THE SAME DAY
Scene III: THE FOLLOWING SATURDAY MORNING
There will be one 15-minute intermission
ACT TWO
Scene I: THE FOLLOWING SUNDAY AFTERNOON
Scene II: THE FOLLOWING MONDAY MORNING
Scene III: 6:00 PM THE SAME DAY TIME
AGATHA CHRISTIE TIME
Content Disclosures: Use of theatrical firearms. Discussion of death and murder.
*The videotaping or other video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
THE CAST & CREW
Ruent Anselm
Drew Bemis
Meredith Bonner
Virginia Daily
Piper Egan
Maddie Escobedo
Fatima Flores Moreno
Patrick Forrester
Lily Gaidosik
Amaya Gangjee
James Gillett
Franchesca Hackenberg
Laila Holloway
Vivienne Irby
Emma Johnston Sarah Macey
Kendall McClure
Aislinn O Suilleabhain
Chioma Omeh
Marie-Agnes
Marie-Jeanne
Sydney Cran
THE CAST & CREW
Maddie Plummer Sebastian Puerto
Ricky Ragazzo
Avery Ro
Beatrix
Sanregret
Brianna Smiley
Shana Still Sabrina Tamm
Hillary Tang
Maggie Touma
Molly Vance
Nandini Vanodia
Emily Vu
Gabrielle Vu
Lily Webber
Jacob Wildy
Andrea Willman
Maryam Zaafran
Lola Ridgway
WHO'S WHO
RUENT ANSELM ‘27 (Dora Bunner) This is Ruent's acting debut! She delightfully returns to the theatre as an actor, having previously worked on St. Agnes’ Aida as a crew member. In addition to theatre, Ruent is a proud member of Book Club and Business Club. She’d like to thank her parents, brother, friends, directors, and teachers. Enjoy the show!
DREW BEMIS '27 (Inspector Craddock, Marketing Team) Drew is a sophomore at Strake Jesuit who is participating in his third production between SAA & SJ, and he could not be more excited! Previously: Aida (Ensemble, PR); SDOAPS (PR/Program). In addition to the play, Drew is in Mixed Chorus, Triple Trio, and the Jesuit Swim Team. He has been working on the Arts PR Team as well as acting for this production. He would like to thank his family and directors for their love and support. Good show!
MEREDITH BONNER '28 (Light Board Op) Meredith is a Freshman at St. Agnes and is excited to be part of her first play. In her free time, she enjoys reading and various crafts. She would like to thank her family for supporting her.
SYDNEY CRAN ‘28 (Preshow Crew) First time working St. Agnes' tech crew and very excited to be part of the team!
VIRGINIA DAILY ‘28 (Mitzi) Virginia is excited to make her St. Agnes stage debut. In addition to theatre, Virginia is a member of the Become a Tutor Club, Friendly Fashion Club, the Pickellballers Club, Spanish Club, and Campus Ministry. Virginia would like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her. Enjoy the show!
PIPEREGAN'25 (Costumes) Piper is excited to be participating in her fifth show at St. Agnes! In addition to theatre, Piper plays Water Polo, is Recording Secretary of the Bellaire Players, a chapter of the International Thespian Society, and is President of a book club here at St. Agnes. She would like to thank her loved ones for all their support and encouragement. Break a leg everyone!
MADDIE ESCOBEDO '25 (Hair & Makeup)
Maddie is so excited to return to crew for her final play! Maddie has previously done makeup for St Agnes' A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The It Girl, and Aida. She would like to thank her family and friends. Enjoy the show!
FATIMA FLORES MORENO '28 (Clara Swettenham) Fatima is ecstatic to join the stage at St. Agnes. She was previously seen as Aunt Sponge (James and the Giant Peach) and the Wicked Witch of the West (The Wizard of Oz) at Magnolia School. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, singing, listening to music, and praying. She would like to thank her parents for their support, her friend, Alex, for pushing her to work harder, the amazing cast and crew, and Ms. Handy for the amazing memories, and her old Musical Theatre teacher, Nicole Fair, for helping her find her love for acting and singing. She would especially like to thank God for the bounteous blessings He has given her.
PATRICK FORRESTER '27 (Edmund Swettenham) Patrick is a sophomore performing in his third SJ/SAA production. He previously played Earl Childers in Somewhere Else Dreams at Strake Jesuit and was an ensemble performer in Aida last spring. He has also done multiple shows at Queensbury Theatre. Outside of theatre, Patrick is a member of the Mixed Chorus, Triple Trio, and is a writer and editor for the Strake Jesuit newspaper. He wants to thank all of his directors and mentors, especially his parents. Enjoy the show!
LILYGAIDOSIK'28 (Post Show Crew) Lily is a freshman at St. Agnes. This is her first show at St. Agnes and she is thrilled to be working with the crew on this show.
AMAYA GANGJEE '25 (Miss Marple) Amaya is delighted to return to the blackbox stage for her last fall production at St. Agnes. She would like to take this opportunity to thank her parents and her director who have worked with her during high school theatre career. Enjoy the show!
WHO'S WHO
JAMES GILLETT '28 (Rudi Scherz) James Gillett—yes, like the razor, only twice as sharp—always figured he'd meet his end from one of the countless complementary Gillett razor blades scattered around his house. Turns out, it was a gun that did the job. Think that’s a spoiler? You won’t even know who he is until he is dead. James has also played Big Jule (Guys and Dolls), Hades (Hadestown), Smee (Peter And The Star Catcher), Earl (All Shook Up).
FRANCHESCA HACKENBERG '28 (Post Show Crew) Franchesca is excited to be a part of the St. Agnes theatre family! In addition to tech theatre, Franchesca dances, plays tennis, and is a member of the LAYA club. Enjoy the show!
LAILA HOLLOWAY '25 (Marketing Team)
Laila Holloway is a senior at St. Agnes Academy who loves baking, playing water polo, and yapping. She is a proud member of the PR team and is dubbed the “Queen of trends”.
VIVIENNEIRBY'28 (Post Show Crew) This is her first year and first play at St. Agnes. Along with theatre, she does debate, archery, and is a member of the pink club.
EMMAJOHNSTON'27 (Run Crew) Emma is a part of technical crew. This is her second show on run crew, following last year’s The It Girl. She was also technical crew for both dance recitals last year. Enjoy the show!
SARAH MACEY '28 (Sound) Sarah is excited to be participating in her very first show here at St. Agnes! Along with theatre here at SAA, she does musicals outside of school at Wildfish Theatre. She is a member of the Cheese Club and the European Culture Club, among others.
KENDALL MCCLURE '27 (Run Crew) Kendall is excited to be a part of crew this year. She has previously been in St. Agnes Theatre (The It Girl) as run crew. She also is in Student Council and volunteers throughout the year. Kendall would like to thank her family for supporting her and her friends for hyping her up!! Enjoy the show!
AISLINN O SUILLEABHAIN '27 (Run Crew)
Aislinn is thrilled to return to St. Agnes theatre. She previously participated in run crew for St. Agnes' production of The It Girl Outside of theatre, Aislinn plays soccer, tennis, piano, and volunteers regularly. She wants to thank her parents, teachers, and friends for their support, guidance, and comedic relief. Enjoy the show!
CHIOMA OMEH '27 (Preshow Crew)
Chioma is a sophomore and is so excited to be a part of her second SAA theatre production. She has once again enjoyed helping build the set and running crew. She feels like she has been so lucky to be a part of this amazing production experience and to have met great people along the way.
MARIE-AGNES PHAN '28 (Post Show Crew)
Marie-Agnes is excited for her first year in tech theatre. She had done things like this in middle school before and is glad she can continue doing this. She is glad she was able to work for this show and wants to work more. Marie-Agnes enjoys doing lighting, sound, carpentry, and scenery, and overall, tech theatre. She would like to thank Mr. Bonner.
MARIE-JEANNE PHAN '27 (Post Show Crew)
Marie-Jeanne is so excited to return to St. Agnes Tech Crew. Marie-Jeanne has had so much fun set building and painting the background of A Murder Is Announced. She hopes you enjoy watching this production.
AUDREY PLOP '26 (Post Show Crew)
Audrey is excited to be apart of the St. Agnes theatre family! In addition to tech theatre, Audrey also plays tennis.
MADDIE PLUMMER '27 (Julia Simmons) Maddie is delighted to return to the St. Agnes stage. Previously at St. Agnes: Marcy and Sandrine (Almost, Maine) St. Marks Episcopal School: Annie Jr. (Grace Farrell). In addition to theatre, Maddie takes Advanced Dance, is Vice President of the Children's Combating Cancer Club, and is an active member of the National Charity League. She would like to thank her family and friends for listening to her accent and supporting her. Enjoy the show!
WHO'S WHO
SEBASTIAN PUERTO '26 (Assistant Stage Manager). Sebastian has done 7 productions at SAA/SJ in his highschool career, and this will be his 8th! In addition to theatre, he is also a member of the SJ Triple Trio, and the SAA/SJ Mixed Chorus. He'd like to shout out the A Murder Is Announced company for putting in the work and making this a true spectacle!
RICKY RAGAZZO '26 (Director of Marketing & Communications) Ricky is so excited for his fourth SAA/SJ production! He's so excited to continue creating publicity content and weaving narratives. Ricky would like to thank his directors, company, and family for constant support as well as everyone for supporting the arts!
LOLA RIDGWAY '26 (Master Electrician) previously worked on crew for Midsummer Nights Dream, Bright Star, SDOAPS, Playmakers Festival, and the Strake short plays. She would like to thank Mr. Bonner and Mr. Aguilar for making this a wonderful crew experience.
AVERYRO'27(Sergeant Mellors) Avery is a sophomore at St. Agnes and is thrilled to be back for her 3rd production at St. Agnes. Outside of theatre, Avery likes to play guitar, run, and hang out with friends. Avery is very grateful for this opportunity and would like to thank her family, friends, and director who have supported her. Enjoy the show!
BEATRIX SANREGRET ‘28 (Preshow Crew) is a new freshman who enjoys doing theatre and cross country. Enjoy the show!
BRIANA SMILEY '27 (Run Crew) Brianna is excited for her 5th theatre production here at St. Agnes. She would like to thank God, her friends, and her supportive family, particularly her grandmother and the Golden Girls. She is so excited for this show!
SHANA STILL '25 (Run Crew) Shana is so excited to be working on the crew for AMIA! After working on crew for AIDA and in the cast for Bright Star, 2 SDOAPS, and Almost Maine, she is so excited (and sad) for her last fall show at St. Agnes. She would like to thank her dad, Sandy, brother, sister, and dogs ;) , her friends, and everyone who makes this production happen. She has so much fun every day while working on crew and hopes you all have fun watching the show!
SABRINA TAMM '27 (Run Crew) This is Sabrina's 4th St. Agnes/Strake Jesuit show after doing deck crew for Almost, Maine and Aida and sound for the 2024 SDOAPS. She is also on the Spectrum Enginering Team and enjoys reading. Enjoy the show!
HILLARY TANG '26 (Run Crew) Hillary is excited to return to the St. Agnes theatre. She was previously on the run crew for last year’s musical The It Girl and build crew for the play Almost, Maine. In addition to theatre, Hillary is DASH Co-Chair of the Student Council, and Vice President of the Pink Club, and she enjoys painting and volunteering in her free time. She would like to thank her friends and family for their dedication. Enjoy the show!
MAGGIE TOUMA '26 (Production Stage Manager) Maggie is a junior at St. Agnes and is very excited for her fifth production with the company. In addition to theatre, Maggie is also a Student Council delegate and a member of the Middle Eastern Club. She would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support. She is honored to be a part of this production, and she looks forward to the many amazing shows to come. Delight in the spectacle!
MOLLY VANCE '25 (Costumes) Molly is very excited to return to theatre for her senior year! This is her 9th show with St. Agnes Theater and she knows it will be a great one! She would like to thank her friends and family for being supportive. Enjoy the show and costumes!
NANDINI VANODIA '26 (Assistant Director) Nandini has been a member of St. Agnes theatre for two years, but this is her first show as Apprentice Director! She has loved working with this amazing cast and crew, and is excited for shows to come!
EMILY VU '26 (Preshow Crew) Emily is excited to join crew for the first time in this fall production. Outside of theatre, Emily likes to play badminton, volunteer, and make photobooks. She would like to thank her family and friend for their dedication and efforts. Best of luck!
GABRIELLEVU‘27 (Sound) Gabi would like to thank everybody for their support.
WHO'S WHO
LILY WEBBER '26 (Preshow Crew) Lily is thrilled to be back on crew for another production. Her past shows include working on Almost, Maine, Aida, and SDOAPS. Beyond her love for theatre, Lily enjoys spending her time reading and sewing. She is deeply grateful to her family and friends for their constant support. Enjoy the show!
JAKE WILDY '25 (Patrick Simmons) Jake is excited to make his St. Agnes Debut. He is a student at the Village School and he has performed at The Village School as Mal Beineke (Addams Family) and Mr. Wormwood (Matilda).
ANDREA WILLMAN '26 (Phillipa Haymes) Andrea is so excited to be performing in another Blackbox Fall Play. She has previously performed in the fall plays Almost, Maine and A Midsummer Nights Dream. She has also been a part of the Spring musicals including Bright Star and Aida. She wants to thank her friends and family and hopes you enjoy the show!!
MARYAM ZAAFRAN '26 (Letitia Blacklock) Maryam is beyond excited to return to the St. Agnes stage this year! Previously at St. Agnes: Aida (Ensemble/Dance CaptainTommy Tune Award Dancer Finalist). In addition to St. Agnes theatre, Maryam is on the Tiger Girls dance team and is a Theatre Under the Stars Academy student! She is an active member in STUCO and loves to help out anywhere she can. Maryam would like to thank her incredible cast, family, friends, and St. Agnes community for their constant support and love! She hopes you all enjoy the show!
THANK YOU to the following parent volunteers who have gone above and beyond in time and talents
Friends of the Arts (FOTA)
Theater Coordinators
Luisa Gomez
Kara Bemis
Wendi Lojo
SPECIAL THANKS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Dr. Karen Jakuback, Head of School Carleen Raymond ‘00, Principal
Dale Grassman, Director of Facilities
Terry Suprean (Headshots & Program Cover/Poster Design)
ST. AGNES ACADEMY ARTS
Aaron McAllister
Director of Fine & Performing Arts
Jeremy M. Wood
Performing Arts Department Chair & Director of Music
Kim Fuselier Mendoza
Associate Director of Music
Jewell Handy ‘88
Director of Theatre
Jon Bonner
Technical Director
Roberto Aguilar
Asst. Technical Director
John Beasant III
Director of Dance
Kaylee Hoffner
Dance
Terry Suprean
Fine Arts Department Chair
Laura Costa ‘78
Fine Arts
Claire Loft
Fine Arts
Sharon Gehbauer ‘89
Fine Arts
Chris Ellis
Administrative Assistant Arts & Athletics
