Through Sept. 26, Carousel Music Theater is staging “Flashback to Murder,” a musical comedy whodunnit set in the disco-vibed world of 1975, flashing back to a 1955 high school reunion where the prom queen’s unsolved murder takes center stage. Willing participants from the audience (the heart throb, the lunch lady, the lab partner, Coach Bob and others) join a host of high school-archetype characters: the nerd, the head cheerleader, the hedonist, the science wiz, the greaser and, of course, the class snob—a know-it-all, mean girl, prom queen who everyone has a motive to murder.

The evening begins with guests and performers mingling in 1975 before the flashback mystery begins, showcasing the humorous transformations of the characters. Promiscuous Mitzy is now Sister Mary Martha, the school wallflower is now a soap opera diva, the nerd is now a … ? This writer isn’t going to give away the spoilers. New to Carousel Music Theater, Luke Beal, an actor, singer and voice coach from Rochester, New Hampshire, offers bright notes in his singing and amped up nerdy-awkwardness to the role of Mikey. Elena Tarpley glides smoothly into her antithetical roles of class trollop and nun. Another easy fit is Cavontè Green’s Elvis-inspired, prom-king-material, cool dude character. 

Emily Bartley is outstanding as Cassandra, the maliciously gossipy ringleader who leads the school through arrogance and assertiveness. Bartley is a graduate of the Osher School of Music at the University of Southern Maine. She has lengthy credits to her career, including Maine State Music Theater and Ogunquit Playhouse as well as TV and film. She and Molly Clemente share their third season at Carousel Music Theater. Clemente’s high soprano adds punch to the musical numbers. From Chicago, a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University with a BFA in acting, her sweet, 50’s flair style of singing, accompanied by a poodle skirt and saddle shoes, delivers the show’s nostalgic blast from the past aura and reminds all of us of the stress of being asked to the prom. Krista Farrell is on point as head cheerleader; fun, frisky, popular and super athletic. She tops the pyramid, her kicks are high, and her splits make full floor contact.

Costumes help define the two eras depicted in the performance, with the best costumes belonging to the 1950s: pedal pushers, leather jackets, scarves, circle skirts with fitted bodices, and loafers of all varieties. The stage is set simply with a “Welcome Class of 1955” sign; props include a yearbook, a newspaper with a headline that reads “Prom Queen Murdered,” and a love note tucked away in Mikey’s shoe. The atmosphere feels reunion-y. Even Carousel’s dinner is served buffet style and referred to as the school cafeteria. 

Audience participation brings the story to life. “It’s where improv meets script,” said Tarpley. “I love it when the audience plays back.”

Ten shows in all, including some matinees. Buy tickets at https://www.carouselmusictheater.org. A one-night only special performance of this whodunnit is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 24 at 6:30 p.m. in conjunction with Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce, with all proceeds going towards our seasonal trolley. To purchase tickets for the special event, please contact the Chamber of Commerce.

Paulette Carter is executive producer, Ashley Grace Ryan is music director, Sean Cameron is on sound, Garrett Carter is on lights, and Jenifer Farrell is photographer. Costumes, sets, choreography and script by Kelli Leigh-Ann Connors, in conjunction with Cathy Sanborn for music and lyrics. Together, Connors and Sanborn (Get-A-Clue Productions) have written 22 murder mysteries. Their work has been translated into four languages and performed internationally. Special arrangements and publishing by Eldrich Publishing Co.