By Alana Brooks .
Have you heard? There’s a murder afoot and it’s time to find out whodunnit! The production of Clue—based on the 1985 film, which was based on the classic board game—opened at Gateway Playhouse on Friday, March 17 and was a hilarious hit!
The story unfolds at Boddy Manor, a spooky, remote mansion, on a dark and stormy night. The butler Wadsworth (James Taylor Odom), the cook (Amy Persons), and the maid Yvette (Traci Bair) all scuttle about, preparing for company. The doorbell rings, and guests begin to arrive, each given a colorful code-name.
If you’ve played the game Clue, you probably know the guests by heart—Colonel Mustard, played by Christopher Seiler; Mrs. White, played by Jennifer Byrne; Mrs. Peacock, played by the legendary Sally Struthers; Ms. Scarlet, played by Emily Brockway; Professor Plum, played by John Long; and Mr. Green, played by David Engel.
Once they’re all gathered together, it’s very clear they all have one thing in common— none of them know why they’ve been asked to attend this strange party. However, after they meet their “host” for the evening, they discover quickly what really brings them together: blackmail and then, unfortunately for them, murder.
The chemistry of the group as a whole is electric, and each actor plays the caricature of their role well as they seek to get to the bottom of murder, after murder, after murder. Was it Professor Plum with the revolver? Or perhaps Mrs. White with the rope?
The script is full of hilarious wordplay, dialogue, and even choreographed running scenes (you’ll understand what I mean when you see it). Throughout the performance, not more than a minute goes by between laughter from the audience—especially in response to Struthers’ performance as Mrs. Peacock. Her monologue at dinner with the sharkfin soup had me in hysterical stitches!
Odom’s performance as Wadsorth the butler is impeccable. His witty responses to the guests were perfectly timed and delivered, and the synoptic monologue he delivers near the end of act two deserved a standing ovation.
The set, spectacularly designed, on the left and right sides spins like a carousel to create the illusion that the guests are walking through different parts of the mansion as they seek out the murderer.
Overall, the show draws you in the moment it begins and is deliciously entertaining to the last drop. Don’t look away for a second, or you just might miss the clue you need to solve the murder!
Buy your tickets to go see this hilarious who-dunnit at Gateway Playhouse, running from March 17 through April 16, here. Run time is 2 hours, with one 15-minute intermission. Note: Parental Advisory for a handful of adult references and bawdy humor.