ND’s Latest Play: Pick Your Poison
It was a cold, dark night in dreary old England. A windy night, with the kind of chill that rattles your windows and sinks into your bones. It was the perfect night—for murder.
In the Notre Dame Theater Department’s chilling new production, murder takes the center stage. Set in the country estate of Sir Nicholas Blackburn, “Pick Your Poison” is a thrilling murder mystery where the audience joins Sir Nicholas and a cast of eight eclectic characters for an evening of secrets, suspicion, and survival—for some of them will not live to see morning.
Written by Laura Barbieri, this interactive play invites the audience to become part of the mystery itself. With eight alternative endings, no two performances are ever the same, making each one a one-of-a-kind experience. During intermission, the audience will vote on who they believe the murderer is, so be sure to catch all five shows if you want a say in how the story unfolds.
Behind the scenes, Notre Dame’s student-led Technical Theater program has been working tirelessly to bring this production to life. Notre Dame takes great pride in fostering student leadership, and nowhere is that more evident than in the Theater Department. From hand-crafted set pieces to meticulously designed lighting, every detail of this production reflects their skill, creativity, and dedication. “The show is a technical feat, with an entire séance that is made of technical components and over six costumes for many of the characters,” says Assistant Director Elaine Saum ‘28. “It’s been a really fun experience overall because our cast and crew are absolutely incredible.”
PC: NDSJ Theater Department
As Bryan Ringsted, Theater Director, takes his paternity leave, all of the students in the Theater program have found new opportunities to step up and embrace leadership roles. Director Clara Winston ‘27 reflected, “I think my favorite memory was just getting to know the cast and seeing how they grew as actors over the whole thing.” For many students, this production has been more than a performance—it has been a chance to take ownership of their craft, mentor their peers, and watch as the results of a collective effort comes alive.
This production of “Pick Your Poison” has truly been a labor of love for many dedicated students, and the entire extended Notre Dame community is excited to see their work come to life on stage. Don’t miss out on this fantastic show—be sure to order tickets soon to support the cast and crew of “Pick Your Poison”!