The comedy/drama Auditioning Truths and Lies follows eight members of a small town theater group who, while waiting for auditioners to arrive for a talent show they’re producing, learn some pretty startling things about one another–and themselves.

For example, theater manager Elliot has an English accent but all the other kids wonder if it’s real or if she’s just faking it to seem more cultured. Another character, Ren, has received a mysterious box in the mail that contains the creepy answer to an age-old family vendetta. And Danny attempts to get the girl of his dreams by repurposing a political speech to win her heart. And Grace keeps getting cryptic cell calls that ultimately hold the key to life or death.

Auditioning Truths and Lies includes several members of the feature film, Mystery High, which premiered May 2007 at the 600 seat Maxine Theater and has since gone on to win a myriad of awards and other honors for writer/director Samantha Carr including being chosen as one of three finalists in the Young Filmmaker category in the 2008 Fallbrook Film Festival. Sammi's earlier short, Sins of the Father, was the first and still only film to win a coveted iVIE first place award for the entire Valley Center/Pauma School District.

“We think anyone who enjoyed the crisp, smart-alecky humor and fast-pacing of Mystery High will get a kick out of Auditioning Truths and Lies,” promises Samantha.

Just a few of the reviews and comments received after the Maxine Theater premiere:

"I am stunned that a play this good could have been produced by high school-aged students.
It's easily college- or professional-level work. Don't take my word for it; you just had
to listen to the audience."
- AUTHOR (THE SOUL OF A HORSE ) and LEGENDARY FILMMAKER (BENJI) JOE CAMP

"A great achievement. It had the humor and power of the best dramas. Samantha and her cast should be extremely proud of themselves. Sammi appears to have the ability to balance the passion and
intelligence to create a script and direct the cast. Obviously, the cast enjoys Sammi's
writing and working with her.”
- CSUSM PROFESSOR BRANDON CESMAT

"I've written literally hundreds of play reviews over the years, including quite a number for the Union Tribune, so I know quality and potential when I see it.... [Auditioning Truths and Lies] was head and shoulders above any original script I've seen produced at the high school and possibly at the university level....Absolutely satisfying. I was surprised and delighted–and everyone knows I'm a curmudgeon!"
- VALLEY ROADRUNNER EDITOR DAVID ROSS

"[Auditioning Truths and Lies] has a mature plot with a sophisticated message.... I was mesmerized by the dialog and the conclusion had a profound impact on the audience."
- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of THE FALLBROOK FILM FACTORY and ORGANIZER
of THE FALLBROOK FILM FESTIVAL, DONNA WALDEN

"I wanted to tell you how impressed I was with the performance.... You should be proud of yourself
for your accomplishment with this play. The dialog was thought provoking and witty. Your
characters were well developed and the actors were consistent and on target with their
personalities. The monologues, each in their own right, were well conceived. I really
enjoyed the play and laughed often throughout.... Congratulations!"
- PROFESSIONAL THEATER TECHNICIAN KEN YARNELL

"Witty and poignant. Paced like a play that's already been running for a year. You guys
harangued me into coming, but now I can't imagine having missed it."
- ATTENDEE JOHN SIMMONS

"You rarely expect to see this kind of production. I can't tell you how much fun we
had. Highly recommended for just about any age group."
- UCLA PROFESSOR SHERIDON STOKES

“I was blown away by Auditioning Truths and Lies. The script was witty, timely,
unique, innovative and the production of the play was a true joy. Encore Ms. Carr!”
- ATTORNEY KATHLEEN CAMP

“I truly enjoyed the play and thought Sammi and the actors did a wonderful job.”
- DANCE and THEATER PRODUCER TAMMY MERRICK

"My boys and I were at your show and it was sooo good!... I was teary-eyed, I
was so proud of you!"
- NEWSPAPER COLUMNIST DANA CHISOLM

“Witty, funny, charming and delightful, Auditioning Truths and Lies earns kudos for its
appealing format, captivating cast and intelligent plot. I laughed, I cried, my
catharsis was complete ... Brava!”
- AP ENGLISH TEACHER LINDA SAFFIOTE