High school theater programs across the Rochester region are ready to raise the curtain on the first performances of this school year.

McQuaid Jesuit's fall production is a classic murder mystery. "The Mousetrap," a whodunit, is McQuaid’s first murder mystery in five seasons.

“I really enjoyed the whole process,” said McQuaid senior Ben Fetzner. “Even from when we did the tryouts as they were really fun in general and just all the way to every single rehearsal. I always look forward to it.“

For the first time in a long time, McQuaid invited drama veterans and new actors and actresses from other high schools including Pittsford Mendon and Penfield.

“I have been ensemble and the lead as well,” said McQuaid senior Sean Beechey. “I have sung, dance and acted and done stage crew. Maybe directing in the spring. Who knows.”

McQuaid theater is now Monkswell Manor outside London during a snowstorm for "The Mousetrap" that opens next Wednesday, Nov. 16 through Saturday, Nov. 19 at McQuaid.

There are several other middle and high school fall performances scheduled to start including "The Canterville Ghost" at Penfield High School Nov. 17-19. In Hilton, drama students there will perform "Alice in Wonderland" Nov. 18-20 and Gananda Middle School students will give their best as "The Addams Family" Nov. 17-19.