An original takes the stage

A new show is coming to Grafton High School this week.

“Pandemonium,” an original murder-mystery play written by the school’s Performing Arts Director JD Atkins, will be staged Thursday, Feb. 28, through Sunday, March 3, in the GHS auditorium.

“This is the first time that I’ve written a full-length play with a totally original plot line,” Atkins said. “It came from the fact that I wanted to do a murder mystery. I’ve never directed one before.”

Atkins began writing “Pandemonium” last spring when he was directing Shakespeare’s “The Tempest.” The “Pandemonium” plot portrays Greek gods living incognito in modern-day New York City and involves the characters searching for the killer of Zeus. 

Atkins, who also teaches communication arts at the school, said he drew inspiration from Sherlock Holmes stories. 

“A really good murder mystery needs a good detective like Holmes and then someone similar to Dr. Watson who knows nothing, which helps the audience see the mystery unfold and comment on all the observations the detective is making,” he said.

Two years ago, Atkins dabbled with his creative liberty when he directed a gender-swap version of  “Cyrano de Bergerac” because most of his cast was female.

“After ‘Cyrano’ I knew I could do it and be successful, which was the impetus for me to write “Pandemonium,’” he said.

At the end of last school year, Atkins had seniors perform a reading of the first scene, which helped him see his characters come to life. “It was a really cool moment for me to send my outgoing seniors on their way, and they were really helpful for me to visualize the play,” he said.

Atkins also called on his family and a writing partner to critique his work. He said the positive feedback helped him become more self-assured about the play.

“I’m always a little nervous when someone reads my work for the first time,” he said. “Their criticism allowed me to become confident that this would be a funny, exciting and moving play.” 

Senior Lydia Fischer plays the lead character Minerva Owler. Typically, the main role in a murder mystery is a man, but Atkins wanted to support his strongest actor.  

“Knowing all my seniors were female actors, I thought why not invent a brand-new detective to fit the students I have available,” Atkins said. “I want to reward the best actor who has the best work ethic.” 

While most high school productions outsource costumes and set pieces from theater groups, “Pandemonium” posed a unique challenge because it’s an original play. Most of the students are using their own clothes for costumes, and technical education students led by teacher Kevin Gain built the set pieces. 

When Atkins joined the theater department several years ago, he had only 18 students audition. This year, there are about 40 actors in “Pandemonium.” Atkins said he is conscious about giving every actor enough stage time.

“Not everyone has a speaking role, but they all play an important part in the play,” he said.

While there are a few butterflies in his stomach leading up to the first show, Atkins is confident his actors will do their jobs well. “It is a risk that I am taking in producing an original play,” he said. “The play is my baby, and I’ve put it in their hands. I implicitly entrust them to take it and run with it.”

Atkins also said he wants to produce more original plays at the high school.

“I have a couple ideas rattling around in my head. It might take a couple of years,” he said.