W-ODSS students bring suspense to the stage with Silver Dagger

Cast and crew of Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School’s fall production of Silver Dagger rehearse ahead of opening night. The mystery thriller runs Nov. 28 and 29 at the W-ODSS auditorium. From back, left, are Annika Renkema, Sofia Sferranna, Huxley Morton and Brennan Goldrick. In front from left are Alex Ottoson, Liv Logan, Sophie Ernewein, Jon Roussel, Phoenix Charland and Camille Cressman. Amanda Modaragamage photo

By Amanda Modaragamage

Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School (W-ODSS) invites community members to its fall production of Silver Dagger by David French.

The mystery thriller hits the stage Friday, Nov. 28, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 29, at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Silver Dagger tells the story of Steve Marsh, a mystery writer whose life unravels after his third novel is published. His wife, Pam, begins receiving a series of phone calls and letters that threaten to destroy their marriage.

The play incorporates all the classic elements of a thriller – lies, blackmail and suspicious deaths – as Steve’s life begins to mirror the plots of his novels. Soon, the characters realize no one can be trusted.

“The show is very unpredictable and the plot twists keep people on the edge of their seats,” said Alecia Sparks, director and W-ODSS drama teacher.

Students from grades nine to 12 are involved in all aspects of the production, acting, directing and managing behind the scenes.

“I’ve always wanted to be in more of a leadership position where I can help people and lead,” said student director Huxley Morton, a Grade 12 student at W-ODSS. “This way, I can input my own ideas, where my word means more.”

Morton said he hopes the audience experiences the same tension and thrill that the cast has worked to create.

“My goal is to keep people on the edge of their seats and questioning what’s going to happen next,” he said. “I really want to get people’s adrenaline pumping.”

Actor Alex Ottoson, the Grade 11 student who plays Steve Marsh, said the collaboration between younger and older students has strengthened the sense of community within the group.

“It’s nice to have that balance between older and younger students because this is the Grade 9s’ first play,” said Ottoson. “Having people who are experienced and have done plays at the school before really helps balance that out. The younger students also bring so much energy because they’re new and just so full of it compared to us Grade 11 and 12 students.”

Sparks said she’s proud of how the students have embraced the challenge of such a complex story.

“The show allows for in-depth conversations about character growth while dissecting dialogue to search for the answer of what is truth and what is fiction,” she said. “It’s a challenging piece that our students at W-O have met head-on. I’m proud of all our cast, crew and behind-the-scenes members who have helped make this production a success – especially our student director, Huxley Morton.”

The production contains mature content, including swearing, references to self-harm and onstage deaths, and is recommended for ages 13 and up.

Tickets are $10 and available for purchase at the door. For more information, visit silverdaggerplay.ca or contact Sparks at alecia_sparks@wrdsb.ca.