Theatre Review: CLUE Live on Stage

July 24, 2024

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Do you think you may know whodunit? Take your vote in the lobby before entering the theater and be prepared for 80 minutes of suspense and laughter (there is no intermission, but you won’t miss it).

If you’re a fan of the 1985 film, the storyline will not come as a surprise. My friend who accompanied me to this production is a huge fan of the movie and was completely delighted at the performance.

The entire show is set in 1954, inside Boddy Manor, a mansion in New England. Six strangers have been invited to the mansion under pseudonyms by the master of the house, Mr. Boddy, for a common factor they will soon learn they share. The strangers, the housemaid, and the butler are quickly wrapped up in a whirlwind of deceit, hilarity, and murder.

This performance was fantastic! The entire production is a farcical comedy, with characters running in and out of rooms, and running in place to convey movement. With the characters having such over-the-top personalities, it was important that they be well-cast, and boy were they. The standout performances in terms of comedic timing and physicality were Mark Price (Wadsworth) and John Shartzer (Mr. Green)—each of them had me laughing until I almost cried.

However, each actor consistently got laughs for their antics, and I was honestly sad when it was over. There are plenty of references to the board game from which this play gets its name and theme, and overall it’s a delightful performance of wordplay, pratfalls, and rapid-fire comedy.

The set design was fairly simple, yet effective. With the entire show taking place within the mansion, there was only one primary practical backdrop. Additional rooms were created by moving other smaller set pieces in and out of the scene.

On-stage lighting with sconces and chandeliers was a very pleasing touch. Costumes were wonderfully designed and distinct, adding a lot to the caricatures being portrayed—each needing a very specific look to represent their namesakes.

Overall, this show is a must-see if you’re looking for a night of mystery and laughs. With some violent themes and the use of weapons, it may not be appropriate for smaller children, but it’s a great show for a night out or with older kids.