Glenbard S. presenting 'Any Number Can Die'

As Glenbard South High School's theater students approach tonight's opening night of their latest production, the whodunit comedy "Any Number Can Die," they can see that their rehearsals have paid off.

The timing on the comedy has improved. They have gotten better at not laughing at the jokes in the script.

And during the blackouts called for in the script, there are fewer injuries.

"I tripped over a chair and someone else ran into a couch," junior Meghan Kelly said about the first time the cast had to move and shift positions in the dark. "It's hard, but it's one of the things that has definitely worked out. No worries of injury on opening night."

The Fred Carmichael play takes place at an isolated mansion and revolves around the death of four guests at the home. A bumbling detective works the case and makes his way through the customary reading of a will, severe storm and unexpected murders.

Kelly said her character, Zenia, is an over-the-top creepy maid who often says seemingly nonsensical things. It's a habit she says she hopes she can keep on the stage.

"It's a lot of fun," she said. "You're going to sound stupid sometimes, but you have to embrace it."

As detective Hannibal Hix tries to figure out the mystery, he runs into trouble that results in comedic situations.

"He really has no idea what he's doing," junior Victor Espeland said about his character. "He thinks he has got more brains than he really does."

Espeland is somewhat of a veteran at Glenbard South, having performed in six shows during his high school career. He stopped short of saying a comedy is more fun to work on but did say comedies allow for more flexibility in the lines and their delivery.

Because of cult classics like the movie "Clue," Espeland said he had a good idea of what he wanted for his character.

But director Laura Samper said it hasn't always been a smooth ride. The 32-year veteran of the school's drama department said comedies bring some unique challenges when working with actors of different skill levels.

However, working with a relatively veteran cast has made things easier, she said.

Nonetheless, she said the timing needed on comedy is something that can be taught.

"You have to make sure they understand why something is funny," she said. "If you can go through and help students understand what is funny about that, that will automatically help them focus on how it needs to be delivered."

If you goWhat: "Any Number Can Die," a comedic whodunit staged by Glenbard South studentsWhen: 7:30 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday Where: Glenbard South High School, 23W200 Butterfield Road, Glen EllynTickets: $5Info: (630) 942-6695 or stephanie wallace@glenbard.orgCastChuck: James PosavecJudy: Alexandra KaneZenia: Meghan KellyRoger Masters: Joe MoeseCelia Lathrop: Linzi JohnstonT.J. Lathrop: Danny AlfonzoEdgars: Cameron BallErnestine Wintergreen: Leigh Anna HudsonSally VanViller: Casey MendozaCarter Forstman: Jack BuckleyJack Regent: Ryan MitacekHannibal Hix: Victor Espeland