The Observer

It’s fitting that Carol McRae and her Olive Branch High School drama students are producing, “The Turn of the Screw,” during Halloween.

“As we delved into it we found out it’s the most debated piece of literature in America,” said McRae, who’s directing the student cast. “(Author) Henry James did it on purpose; he wants the audience to walk out wondering, with questions on their minds.”

“The Turn of the Screw” is a thriller written by Douglas Jones, based on a novella by Henry James. It’s the story of a governess who, after being left in charge of a boy and a girl at a lonely estate, begins to suspect that the ghosts of two former servants have hideous designs on the children.

The governess, who may or may not be the only person who can see the ghosts, starts to believe the children may know more than they’re saying. If she’s right, the children are in terrible peril – if she’s wrong, the governess herself may be driving the children insane.

“We’re doing it as a typical ghost story,” McRae explained. “You have to ask yourself, ‘Do the children really see the ghosts? Is the governess insane?’”

Instead of answering all the questions raised during the play, the audience is left to determine the answers for itself.  

Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Oct. 28 and Nov. 2-7, and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 1 and 7. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door, and may be purchased at the OBHS main office or from any drama student.

The opening night show has been designated as a "pay-what-you-can" event. On Oct. 28, patrons may also take part in a chili supper at 6 p.m. in the school cafeteria, with food provided by OBHS faculty and staff. For more information call (662) 893=3344.

The play marks the official debut of the drama department’s new theatre room, located down the main hallway at OBHS. Construction on the former study hall was completed by a large group of interested supporters, with the theatre now able to comfortably accommodate 75-100 guests.

“We started working on it at the end of last year,” McRae said. “We worked a long time on it.”

After several years of watching students stage rehearsals and performances in hallways or at the Olive Branch Middle School auditorium, Olive Branch High School principal Kyle Brigance asked McRae is she would be interested in converting the study hall into a theatre.

“It’s been a long time coming for them,” Brigance said. “It gives them the attention they deserve.

“Our kids have a high interest in drama,” he continued. “They’ve been real excited about having the space; it’s a good fit for everybody.”

“The Turn of the Screw” features Tory Eggers as the Uncle/Peter Quint; Kayleigh Richardson as the Governess; Chelsea Buggs as Mrs. Grose; Jasminne Pena as Flora; Patrick Bula as Miles; Destiny Sprout as Miss Jessel; and Larry Clark, Lizz Hundley, Jess Eggers, Ariel Sisk and Eric Ferguson in technical positions.