Old emotions never die
A Reunion to Die For
The 40-year reunion of North by Northwest High School’s class of 1983 was organized by former head cheerleader and prom queen, Sherrylynn Shuster. As the event unfolded, emotions that had been dormant for four decades made return visits. And, one classmate didn’t make it because murder was on the menu.
About the Script
Setting: Ballroom with 1980s decorations
- Cast of 10 actors: 6 men and 4 women
- Number of Acts: 2
- Time including interaction: approx. 90 min.
The Plot
- WRITER’S NOTES: Some producers elect to have the audience and actors dress in prom clothing. This is an enhancement and not required to stage the production. AND, although the script is written around the year 1983, the year is flexible with minor script adjustments.
A class reunion is designed to be a joyous occasion to reminisce about teachers, pep rallies, and football games. But, not every memory is one that brings back good feelings. Teenage emotions can evolve into adult resentment, and who knows what the results will be?
When North by Northwest High School's class of 1983 gathered to drink a toast to old times, one classmate was missing. Former principal Florence Finnegan and janitor Elmo Wollenschlager had vivid memories of the absent former student - the kind of recollections that induced the nightmares that had plagued them for years.
When the chief of police arrived and reported that a lifeless body was found nearby, it didn't take long for the deceased to be identified as one of the class's most-controversial members, the very one that caused Finnegan and Wollenschlager to wake up screaming.
But was the victim really who everyone thought is was? After all, people can change and a case of mistaken identity isn't out of the question. And, some classmates keep in touch with each other even after graduation. Did someone orchestrate a murder that was designed to confuse authorities and baffle investigators?
The Cast
SHERRYLYNN SHUSTER – She was the head cheerleader and prom queen.
Now, she is the chairperson of the Reunion Committee and oversaw the arrangements for the event. She had plans for the future, but they didn't work out. Not everyone is sympathetic with her.
BRUCE BELINSKY – He was the star quarterback and the prom king.
After graduation, he “dropped out” and hadn't been seen by most of his classmates until he unexpectedly showed up at the reunion. The high point of his life was his senior year when he set school records in football and in swooning girls.
FLORENCE FINNEGAN – She is the former principal who retired to Florida.
She is still having nightmares about the class of 1983, and blames it for her problems with the school board and the unceremonious way she was fired because of an incident that occurred in 1983.
ELMO WOLLENSCHLAGER – He is the former janitor at the high school.
He knew what happened when the school days ended, but resigned to accept an easier job – prison guard at the local penitentiary. He retired to a cabin in the woods because he is tired of dealing with people and theie behind the scenes intrigues.
MINDY TALLIVECHIO – She was the girl that every boy wanted to date.
She used her popularity to get what she wanted and depended upon her father to use his influence and keep her from being expelled. She had her sights set on hooking up with a certain classmate and wouldn't let anything get in her way.
NICHOLAS NOTTME – He was the kid who never did anything wrong.
His classmates picked on him, but today he is a TV personality called “Dr. Nick” who teaches people how to become their parents and return to the good old days of 1983. He remembers every embarassing moment that he had to live through in high school.
LAURA LAMINATE – She was the editor of the school paper.
Her experience in ferreting out the dirt about her classmates led to a career as the author of steamy romance novels. She writes under the pen name “Lucretia Lamore.” Her latest novel was awarded the "Flamie" for the hottest book of last year.
STANLEY STOVER – He was the class valedictorian.
His favorite subject was Chemistry, and everyone remembers how clumsy he was. Today, he is the owner of Eve of Destruction, Ltd, a company that blows up structures with no trace left behind. He had a crush on Sherrylynn in high school and still can't forget her.
LAWRENCE LAW - Police Chief
He's an experienced lawman who follows all leads and identifies the perpetrator of the crime.
(Optional) ORVILLE ORDER - Police Detective
He was assigned to the case and is communicating with the Crime Lab.
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