As Drama Teacher Mandy Corrao prepares for her debut as director of the fall play, she feels excited to take South’s theater program to the next level with this year’s play, “Clue”.

While it is her first year as a South director, Corrao has a lot of experience in the professional acting world, she said. Although she honed her skills while touring the country for a children’s theater, it was an adjustment for her to direct a high school production. Transitioning to the South stage, Corrao was impressed with the quality and size of the drama department, as well as the insight students brought her.

“I have learned so much about the process and programs here at South from the students’ insight,” Corrao said. “All of my colleagues [at South] have been supportive, so while it was a crazy transition, now that I have dipped my toes in Variety Show and the [Glenbrook] Musical, I feel like [being at South] feels right.”

The show itself is unique, a murder mystery set in a mansion with multiple suspects and endings. For Corrao, “Clue” holds a special place in her heart, so she jumped at the chance to bring it to South.

“Clue has been one of my favorite movies since before I [can remember],” Corrao said. “I used to watch it with my parents as a little kid, so I thought it would be perfect for [South].”

The cast feels the show’s caliber h

as increased significantly since Corrao became director, senior Gabriel Blumenfeld, who plays Wadsworth, the butler, said.

“[Corrao] is a professional actress, so we have a perspective that’s more rigorous than traditional high school theater,” Blumenfeld said. “She has everything planned out. Everyone [is] incredibly grateful for how tight the [show] was run.”

The new processes have made the show so much stronger, junior Coco Schluchter, who plays Miss Scarlet, said. For her, the camaraderie and professionalism have made this show amazing.

“This is such a beautifully put-together show,” Schluchter said. “We spend hours on one scene to perfect each way we stand, talk, and walk. It is so dynamic.”

The cast’s talent has made the process much easier, Corrao said. She feels that their chemistry has made rehearsing the show natural, and they have worked efficiently.

“The theater program here has a sense of community; It felt natural for [the students] to step into their roles,” Corrao said. “[The cast] has responded so well to holding them to a high standard. Sometimes I don’t even work at this [quick] pace with professional shows, [so] it’s been an absolute joy to work [with this cast].”