HERMISTON – An old mansion, complete with hidden passages and sliding panels, is the setting for the Hermiston High School Players production of “Any Number Can Die.”

The play, a take off on the mystery plays of the 1920s, complete with the sliding panels, also features robed figures, a last will and testament read at midnight and an owl for a seer.

Four murders take place on an island in a mysterious mansion as a pair of elderly detectives set to work on their first case. An ever-popular storm, unexpected guests, a cryptic poem and a missing fortune all add to the intricate and inventive mystery.

The cast and crew, under the direction of Dana Mercer, spent about 20 hours constructing the set with the sliding panels, hidden doors, hanging pictures, a fireplace, window seat and staircase.

“It is a pretty complex set with panels and halls and walls going every place,” said Kristi dela Cruz, HHS senior who plays the role of detective Hannibell Hix.

Thursday was the second time the cast practiced on the newly constructed set. They were still adjusting to their cues, learning where to stand, where to enter and how to use the set to the best advantage.

“It will come together,” dela Cruz said. “Everybody is getting into character. Yesterday was our first time on the set. The set really puts people into their character. It boosts everyone.”

Mercer stopped the players time and time again asking them to retrace their steps, repeat a line, redo an entrance or adjust where they stand in a scene. The players have less than a week before they take the stage. They are busy adding polish and emotion to their characters.

The cast, in order of appearance, includes:

Chuck – Cody Guthmiller

Judy – Rosemary Dunn/Rebecca Hayes;

Zenia – Rebecca Hayes/ Rosemary Dunn

Roger Masters – Jared Sherrow

Celia Lathrop — Crystal Munoz

T.J. Lathrop – Derek Nagle

Edgars – Jonathon Thornton

Ernestine Wintergreen -Wendy Dwyer

Sally VanViller – Stephanie Fanning

Carter Forstman – Ryan McKinnis

Jack Regent – Mitch Drinkwater

Hannibell Hix – Kristi dela Cruz

Contact Carol Marcum at (800) 522-0255 ext. 306

HHS theater

The Hermiston High School Players present: “Any Number Can Die.”

When and where: 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21-22 at Hermiston High School Theater, 600 S. First Place

Admission: $4 general, $2 students with ASB cards or senior citizens.