Complicated Characters Well Portrayed at East Ridge

by Tiana Sandh, South Lake HS

Death by Chocolate? Sounds like a good way to die! But after adding three murders, a society obsessed with obesity, and a gay aerobics instructor to an already complicated plot, that trip to the afterlife isn't looking so sweet.

"Death by Chocolate" written by Paul Freed is a comedic murder mystery set in the health conscious decade of the eighties. After the supposed suicide of a health resort owner, new managers are brought in to run the resort. But a murderer has different plans and is trying to hide his/her secrets by killing everyone with poisoned chocolates. Can some amateur detectives discover the twisted thoughts and plans of a cold-blooded murderer?

East Ridge High School's production was carried by it's outstanding comedic timing. The variety of characters worked well together creating an interesting, comical cast.

The new-owner Lady Riverdale, played by Rebecca Whitlock, was a very hard character to sympathize with. Yet, even through my distaste for the character, I applaud Rebecca on an amazing portrayal of a woman who will do whatever necessary to get what she wants. John Stone, played by Tony DeLuca was an ear-catching character. His every other sentence was a play on words. Even though his one-liners made you want to yell "UGH!", he had your attention throughout the entire show waiting to hear what horribly funny pun would come next!

East Ridge presented one of the most versatile casts I've seen: the stereotypes of the pill-popping nurse Anne(Jenni Van Doren), the weight-lifting chauvanistic pig Ralph Deadwood(Anthony Villanueva), to the Richard Simmons fan Dick Simmering(Richard Irrizary) and his overly enthusiastic aerobics class. While I found some characters to be lacking in development, I fell in love with the complexity of others.

The eighties is probably one of the most fun and crazy decades ever and the makeup and costumes could have reflected the period more. This story is recreated in one room at many different times of day and there could have been more creativity with the lighting effects. I applaud sound for an amazing choice in music. It doesn't get any better than "Let's Get Physical" by Olivia Newton John.

East Ridge High School's production of "Death by Chocolate" was an entertaining and well played comedy. I applaud the actors on their great portrayals of very complicated characters. I was impressed to see depth brought to these seeming stereotypes.

Originally published by The Backstage Noise, Fall 2005