Granby Memorial High School’s Dramatic Arts Program Delivers a Hauntingly Brilliant Fall Production
The GMHS Dramatic Arts Program delighted and chilled audiences this November with their production of Twisted Tales of Poe. This macabre collection of Edgar Allan Poe’s classic scary stories was uniquely staged as a 1940s radio drama, transporting the audience to the golden age of broadcasting. The program has once again demonstrated its talent for delivering exceptional theater, continuing its impressive legacy as a cornerstone of the local arts community. The ambitious vision of the new director, Erin Dugan, was easy to see and marks an exciting chapter in the program’s ongoing tradition of creativity and excellence.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the production was the incorporation of foley artistry, a first for the program. Foley artists create sound effects live, enhancing the drama on stage with immersive audio. Students cleverly mimicked sounds such as shoes descending cellar stairs, creaky doors groaning open, thunder clapping in a storm, and even the sinister beating of hearts. These details, executed with precision and creativity, enriched the spooky atmosphere of the show.
The set crew’s transformation into foley artists was matched by the stunning contributions of the costume team, who outfitted the cast in period-accurate 1940s attire, and the meticulous set design by Janet Spatcher and Catie Yanchak that perfectly recreated a vintage radio station. Patrons were enchanted by the attention to detail and impressed by the student actors’ performances, which brought Poe’s eerie tales to life. The haunting stories lingered with the audience long after the final curtain.
The production’s success was a community effort. The GMHS Dramatic Arts Program extends heartfelt gratitude to all of the student members for their talent and dedication, parents and guardians for their support, and the student board and creative team for their exceptional management under the leadership of Leeayn Burke. The Granby Fine Arts Booster sponsors, along with marketplace food and retail vendors, and the many volunteers who contributed time and energy, were instrumental in making the event a triumph.
The GMHS Dramatic Arts Program has once again proven that creativity and collaboration can produce something extraordinary. With this outstanding production of Twisted Tales of Poe, the program has solidified its reputation as a cornerstone of the local arts community.
As the curtain falls on the eerie world of Twisted Tales of Poe, the Granby Dramatic Arts Program is trading shadows for sunshine and scares for sparkle. Up next, the club will present Legally Blonde, a vibrant and uplifting musical about perseverance, self-discovery, and the power of pink. Mark your calendars for March 14–16, 2025, when the GMHS stage will transform into Harvard Law School (and a few fabulous salons) to tell Elle Woods’ inspiring story. After the success of this fall’s spine-tingling tales, audiences can look forward to a completely different kind of theatrical magic that promises laughter, heart, and a whole lot of fun. Visit www.gmhsfinearts.com/legallyblonde for more information.
