The Funniest Murder You Ever Did See by Peyton Webb

 The Funniest Murder You Ever Did See

Clue National Broadway Tour Review

Cast of Clue National Tour

Photo by Evan Zimmerman

Fake identities, vicious blackmail, a little communism, and some good-ole-fashioned homicide, the national Broadway tour of Clue, directed by Casey Hushion, brought all these delights and more to the Twin Cities in its February 27 premiere. Inspired by the beloved board game and 1985 movie, Clue brilliantly blends slapstick humour with eerie suspense. Our favorite colorful characters take the stage as they search for the murderer (and their various weapons). Was it Colonel Mustard, with the rope, in the billiard room? Or perhaps Miss Peacock, with the revolver, in the ballroom? Nothing is as it seems, and no one can be trusted. But you can trust me when I say solving this mystery is more than worth a trip to the Orpheum.

Every detail of the production was reminiscent of the family game, from the tile floors that looked suspiciously like a game board to clever references throughout the script. The set (Lee Savage) was simple yet effective, and beautifully formed the whimsical, possibly haunted Boddy Manor, the mansion where our murder mystery takes place. Lighting (Ryan O’Gara), though occasionally a bit harsh, was used to geniously enhance both suspense and comedy, working seamlessly with sound design (Jeff Human). Our dinner guests’ costumes (Jen Caprio) captured each character’s essence perfectly, while still fitting neatly into the setting of 1954 America.

When my family plays Clue, for some reason, nobody ever wants to be poor Mr. Green. But I just might break the curse and choose him next time because he absolutely stole the show, with John Shartzer performing phenomenally in the role. At least a dozen of his physical gags had the audience practically rolling on the ground from laughter, as well as his flawless comedic vocal inflection and timing. Shartzer expertly supported other characters and helped make their quips even more hysterical, then brought the house down when it was his time to shine.

Although Shartzer stood out, every single cast member had an excellent performance with natural charisma and uproarious jokes. Yet, sadly, I lack the time to rave about them all. An honorable mention has to go to Mark Price, playing someone you won’t find in the game: Mr. Wadsworth. Price wasn’t short on his own physical gags, but his witty delivery of jokes and hysterical portrayal of the snooty butler’s personality is what sold his performance. 

Whether you’re reminiscing on family game night, are a superfan of the cult film, or are simply looking for a hearty laugh, Clue is sure to deliver, and may be your new favorite play—in fact, it just might have become mine! Clue is in Minneapolis through Sunday, March 3, which means there’s still time left to place your guesses on how it really happened before snagging a ticket. So, do you dare discover whodunit?