Dead Bodies & Tea Parties: Jenks Theatre’s First One-Act Competition
By Mary Ohnesorge
Did somebody poison that tea? Jenks Theatre Department is bringing “Any Body for Tea?,” a dark comedy play, to the Union One-Act Festival. A few weeks of rehearsal is almost unheard of for a show, but the play is being rushed along to go to competition. The dedicated actors have been hard at work memorizing lines, practicing movement, and mastering an elderly lady voice for the show, and the best part is that you can watch!
In spring of 2026, Jenks had three seniors direct their first one-acts for the spring show of the Theatre Department. One of these shows is now being performed on the Union Stage to show off the talent of our young actors. This is Jenks’ first time competing in the One-Act competition and the show is being explored in a totally new way.
“Any Body for Tea?” is a one-act, meaning half the length of a usual play. The show centers around a group of peeping old women who are enamored with a handsome but stupid detective and his sarcastic sidekick, as they slowly kill off their housemates to lure the homicide detective into their home for tea. They’re flirty and much older than thirty as they spy, trick, and murder to have their chance with him.
While previously directed by 2026 graduate Isaac Doll, “Any Body for Tea?” has been taken over by the makeup and production teacher, Allison Dodge.
Dodge previously has directed a multitude of shows since high school, as well as the fall 2025 production of “The Crucible” here at JHS. This is her first time directing a show that’s recently been performed by the high school students.
“I don’t feel like it’s very different. In my mind, I was ready to completely throw everything out. I’m ready to do a whole new show, and a lot of the hard work has already been done,” Dodge said.
She’s coming into this show with a new vision to match our new and old actors. Working with a blended cast of five returning actors to reprise their roles as well as four new recruits has been a new kind of directing.
“It’s fun to be able to explore the show deeper, find those moments where we can lean more into the melodrama,” Dodge said.
Melodramatic is an over-the-top style of acting that the theatre department utilizes in a way to show exaggerated characters in comedy.
“I think the new people in the show are bringing it a lot of new life. It gives new motivation to the characters because what made sense for Jimmy doesn’t necessarily make sense for Gavin,” Dodge explains, referencing Jimmy Piehler, a 2026 graduate who played the famous Detective O’Finn last spring. Gavin Cox, current sophomore, has replaced his role with a new perspective.
The four old women stand facing away from the table as one will secretly put poison in a teacup -- but who will do it? (From left to right: Ella Summers, Abby Covey, Mary Ohnesorge, Kyndall Del Prete) Photo Credit: EJ Onley
Kyndall Del Prete, a sophomore this year, is one of the returning actors. She is coming back to her role of Lucy Long, one of the elderly women in the one-act. It’s only Del Prete’s second year of doing theatre, and she’s eager and excited to redo the show.
“Last time, I felt like we were all the same old lady, so it’s a little fun to add some more character and add in the bits,” said Del Prete, reflecting on her character. “It’s really nostalgic to go back, even though it wasn’t very long ago, and it’s just very exciting.”
Another returning actor adds on, Abby Covey, a senior, reprises her role as Amantha Abernathy, a creepy old woman with an affection for dead bodies. She originally had a different perspective on the show.
“I never thought I would play Amantha again, because that was months ago and you do the show and then it’s over,” Covey said. “I was very shocked, and then I was a little scared. I felt like I would get bored, and I want to give it my all.”
Though originally unsure of her return, Covey started to recognize the fresh feeling the show had regained.
“It just feels so different from last semester,” Covey reasoned. “We have different dynamics. Plus we have Dodge, we have a teacher directing it, which is completely different than student directing. We have so much space to explore and learn about our characters, and really dig deep in a different way.”
The director saw it similarly, and liked the idea of the new views and characters.
“I think it will be the same script, but a very different show, but still just as funny. Funnier, I hope,” Dodge said.
On the other end, Cox is performing this show for the first time at the competition.
“Stepping into the show has been really cool, and I enjoy getting to know the cast and directors,” Cox said gratefully.
Cox is used to the spotlight, playing the lead in his first show, a major part in the spring One-Act “Radium Girls,” and has stepped into the leading man of the new production.
“Playing O’Finn has been a bit of a challenge,” Cox admitted. “Almost everybody has been in the show. I do enjoy it, though; he is a very interesting and unique character. I have a lot of opportunities to make moments.”
Despite the anxiety of being a part of the new cast, Cox was one of the first to be fully memorized in his role. He has added on countless character bits that were never explored the first time around, and it is the blending of the new and old cast that really brings this show together.
The whole cast is looking forward to competing and showing off their comedy skills in this production. Along with Del Prete, Covey and Cox, the cast includes Garrett Beason, Ella Summers, Mary Ohnesorge, EJ Onley, Adalyn Morgans, and Keegan Gonzalez.
Not only will a panel of judges be there, but the audience is open to the public for free admission. If you’re interested in watching the poisons and flirtations, stop by Union High School’s Performing Arts Center at 8 am on October 3rd! Who knows, maybe you can figure out the murderer’s identity before she strikes again?
The women sit around the tea table, discussing their next victim. (From left to right: Abby Covey, Ella Summers, Mary Ohnesorge, Kyndall Del Prete) Photo Credit: EJ Onley
