On the nights of Nov. 7 and 8, the Lawrence High School theater department presented “The Night of January 16th” by Ayn Rand.

This classic whodunit allowed audience members to become members of the jury to determine the fate of the defendant. A certain Mr. Bjorn Faulkner was hurled from atop a New York penthouse to his death – or was he? His mistress is on trial for his murder, but suspicious dealings, a sobbing wife and a mysterious gangster lead to complications.

This production, directed by LHS drama teacher Kimberly O’Brien, was strewn with humorous and memorable witnesses. An audience favorite was Magda Svenson, a verbose Scandinavian maid, played beautifully by Henriette Jensen.

Defense attorney Stevens played by Kayla Bennett, and Dist. Atty. Flint, portrayed by Caitlin Welch were both excellent, complete with the sass and intelligence needed to help structure this sort of court play.

The music choice was quite fitting, with the theme song from “Inspector Gadget” being one of the more memorable tunes. Technical director Tracy Murray, LHS history teacher, assisted with lights and sound, which helped the production run smoothly.

Other players involved in putting together this enjoyable production were Ryan Davis, Chaz Steele, Jamie Oller, John Santiago, Prisca Kendagor, Heather Hinshaw, Eric Hyde, Ariel Clark, Erin Neidenthal, Kendra Verhage, Rachel Beaumont, Brianna Rank, Rachel Ybarra, Chelsea Bryant, Ben Easthouse, Rebecca Siahaan, A.J. Clark, Rachel Hillmer, Will Brubaker, Scott Klopfenstein, Ashley Wilson, Kelly Taylor, Erika Fisher, Alek McElroy, Eric Marlow, David McGee, Doug Brickell, Cassie Brickell and Sierra Farwell.

– Hasma Subramaniam is a senior at Lawrence High School.