A Witty Whodunit: Murder at Regent Manor Delivers Laughs and Suspense
By Maliah LaCour
The University of the Virgin Islands Drama Club recently brought mystery, mayhem, and lots of laughs to the stage with their spring production of Murder at Regent Manor. I had the unique opportunity to not only attend the performance and take photos, but also sit in on three rehearsals and interview the club’s President, Lindsey Trost, and Vice President, Jadynn Sibilly. It was clear from the start: this wasn’t just a play — it was a passion project brought to life by dedicated students.
The play centers around a group of eccentric nieces and nephews who gather at their wealthy great-aunt’s manor, all hoping to inherit her fortune. As tensions rise and secrets unfold, the story takes a classic murder mystery turn — only with a twist. Instead of just one shocking murder, the audience is hit with two. The whodunit setup kept everyone guessing, and just when you thought you had it figured out, the plot shifted again.
The set design was impressively detailed and fit the vintage vibe of Regent Manor perfectly. I later found out that the cast designed and built the set themselves — including carving out a giant wood block, as shown in a behind-the-scenes video posted on their Instagram. That DIY dedication deserves major applause.
The costumes were also a highlight, capturing the old-timey, elegant aesthetic of the show. Each outfit helped define the characters and added to the immersive feel of the performance. The acting was strong and full of personality — each cast member brought something unique to the stage. The only minor hiccup was in audio delivery; without microphones, some lines were difficult to hear from the back of the room. Still, the cast made a strong effort to project, and the story came through.
During my interview with Lindsey, I learned about the deeper significance of this production. There had once been a drama club at UVI, but after the hurricanes and the unfortunate passing of the previous drama club president, the group slowly faded away. Lindsey, passionate about theater and its place in student life, decided to bring drama back to the island by founding a new club. Judging by the audience turnout and the buzz surrounding the play, her efforts were a success.
Murder at Regent Manor was more than just a student production — it was a display of creativity, collaboration, and resilience. With humor, heart, and a little bit of murder, the Drama Club proved that theater is very much alive and thriving at UVI.
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