Clue - A New Comedy Review by Lilly Grommes

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  Clue - A New Comedy Review by Lilly Grommes

On a fittingly bitter evening, Clue opened at the Orpheum. The tour launched out of Minneapolis on the 27th of February and will continue to 17 stops. The play by Sandy Rustin is making its touring debut since its 2022 production at the Papermill Playhouse. Following the movie based on the game, Clue pulled together a creative rendering of a cult classic. The story of Clue follows the movie fairly closely: 6 guests arrive at their blackmailer’s mansion for a dinner party, and what ensues is an evening of chaos and murder. The appeal of the original was the campiness of the whole thing. Luckily the stage adaptation still brings the camp, along with a fresh take on the script.

Part of what made this performance of Clue spectacular was the production design. The set itself drew direct inspiration from the 1949 board game, complete with the signature square tiled floor. The set consisted of a variety of stage looks in addition to pop-out rooms that made for multiple locations in the same scene, which allowed the production to fit an entire mansion on one stage. In addition to the set, the production utilized light very effectively. There was not a single blackout to change sets or scenes, instead, the set moved while the actors were running, or while the stage was being partially lit. The lighting kept a grim look and included using the doors to shine light through.

Along with the production design, Clue bolstered an incredible cast. Joining the tour from the run at Papermill Playhouse is John Treacy Egan as Colonel Mustard and Mark Price as Mr. Wadsworth. Price’s performance was witty and dry, e evoking the body of the character while adding a twist to the performance of Tim Curry in the movie. Bringing physical comedy to the mix was John Shartzer as Mr. Green, . who pulled off difficult physical stunts and demonstrated wild flexibility in scenes like the chandelier drop. Sharzner and Egan match energy perfectly in the ending face off, creating a wildly hilarious spectacle.

The Company of the North AMerican Tour of Clue by Evan Zimmerman

All in all, Clue is a short, comedic take on the 1985 cult classic movie. Admirers of the movie or the play are sure to love this production. Clue is perfect for a night out, with a 90-minute runtime, the show won’t keep you up all night. The production will continue at the Orpheum until March 3rd. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to see this up-and-coming show!

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