I went to Marion High School’s presentation of “Pure as the Driven Snow or a Working Girl’s Secret” Friday night at USD 408 Performing Arts Center, and it was plenty of fun.

The melodrama starred Brady Hudson as hero Leander Longfellow, Danae Edwards as damsel Purity Dean, and Michael Kirkpatrick as the over-the-top, mustache-twirling, cape-and-top-hat-wearing villain, Mortimer Frothingham.

Hudson, Edwards, and Kirkpatrick did an excellent job. There was never any doubt who was the hero and the villain, and I was as excited to see Frothingham get his comeuppance as to see Longfellow and Dean have a happy ending.

The entire supporting cast performed well, establishing the setting and helping to move the plot forward. In particular, Alex Eurit and Anna Laurin deserve credit. Eurit elicited the biggest laughs of the production, and Laurin’s seriousness set-up his comedy.

The people who worked behind the scenes greatly contributed to the fun atmosphere. The set, costumes, lighting, and sound all let the actors give a fun, memorable performance.

Director Janet Killough did an admirable job of getting everything ready for the play, and she deserves recognition.

Even the audience did its part. Audience members booed, cheered, and swooned whenever appropriate — important to a fun melodrama.

Finally, I want to say how amazed I am whenever I set foot in the performing arts center. For the school to have such a beautiful and functional theater is a testament to the district’s dedication to fine arts.

— Adam Stewart