The classic board game that became a cult-classic film is now a play! Clue: Live on Stage is exactly what you think it is: the whacky 80’s movie come-to-real, in-person life!
Let’s get one thing out of the way. There is no need to bring the film to the stage. Let’s be honest. The cult film is a cult film for a reason. It was the actors that made it popular, and it was the novelty of the board game being adapted onto the screen that made it a curiosity. The comedians involved did a lot of over-the-top improv (Madeline Kahn’s famous “the flames” speech), and the novelty of different endings playing in different theaters helped create some minor fandom early on.
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But take away the actors that created these characters, and you simply get a working man’s retelling of something that is now a classic in its own right.
That said, what works in this very faithful stage adaptation is the cast. While some actors reflect those who came before them, they also make the roles their own, even when repeating classic lines and delivery.
But I guess I need to rewind. For those unfamiliar with the movie or the Parker Brothers’ board game, “Clue” is a classic whodunnit in which six strangers are invited by a Mr. Boddy to dinner at a gothic mansion in the mountains. There, the quirky characters wonder why they’ve been brought together, and when bodies start piling up, they must figure out who amongst them is a murderer—and why someone might want to kill them.
As stated, the cast here is phenomenal. Standouts include Michelle Elaine as Miss Scarlet, a tough gal with a withering sense of humor. Mark Price as Wadsworth the Butler – who is tasked with making the evening go as smoothly as possible – has a progressive hysteria that is potently hilarious.
John Shartzer is the highlight of the evening as the gay and highly anxious Mr. Green. His Jim Carrey-esque ability to contort his body is fascinating to watch, and his delivery is riotous. Watch for the chandelier moment that brought the house down.
The rest of the cast is equally amusing, with a few donning various hats to conquer multiple roles. At a swift hour and fifteen minutes, they certainly get a workout with the constant movement in Casey Hushion’s direction and the fast-paced banter that has them working overtime.
The scenic design by Lee Savage reflects the original film, but since this is a stage show, there are many fun surprises in how various locations are presented on stage. Again, with the intensity of this 100-mile-per-hour show, it’s impressive how it all comes together.
All in all, “Clue: Live on Stage” is a fun, frenetic, and fast night out at the theater. If you know the movie, there won’t be a lot of plot surprises here. (The multiple endings are all played with the “actual” ending still intact.) But to see some terrific creative work from cast and creatives alike, you can’t go wrong trying to solve this mystery.
“Clue: Live on Stage” runs through August 24th.
For more information and tickets, visit www.centertheatergroup.org.
