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Regional Reviews: Raleigh/Durham Clue: Live on Stage
The 1985 film, brilliantly penned by Jonathan Lynn, has been adapted by Sandy Rustin (with additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price). Ms. Rustin has done a grand job preserving the iconic moments and dialogue of the movie yet building something beyond a rehashing of the film on stage. She has also enhanced the plot involving the Red Scare of 1954 and the role the characters play. For those who are not familiar with the board game or movie, six guests have been invited to Boddy Manor to contend with the person who has been blackmailing them for various nefarious acts. Upon arriving, each has been given an alias: Colonel Mustard (an amusing John Treacy Egan), Mrs. White (acted delightfully by Tari Kelly), Mrs. Peacock (the sublime Joanna Glushak), Mr. Green (an outstanding John Shartzer), Professor Plum (Jonathan Spivey), and Miss Scarlet (performed by Mary McNulty at this performance). They are greeted by butler Wadsworth (a phenomenal James Taylor Odom at this performance), Yvette the maid (Elizabeth Yancy), and Cook (Mariah Burks). Once their host, Mr. Boddy (Alex Syiek), arrives, they are given the choice of either continuing to pay their blackmailer or to kill Wadsworth, who may be a thorn in exposing them later. Each is given a deadly weapon similar to the items in the board game. Eventually, it is Mr. Boddy who sees his ultimate demise as others are also killed off through the evening. The ultimate guessing game of "Who done it, where and with what?" ensues. Under the keen eye of director Casey Hushion, the play is more polished and intricate than its original premiere at the Bucks County Playhouse in 2017. The scenic design by Lee Savage harkens back to the film as rooms move seamlessly on and off stage with ease. Ryan O'Gara's lighting design creates proper mood and shadowy suspense. Various spotlights highlight character reactions like movie close-ups. Jen Caprio's costumes also harken back to the film's esthetic. The music of the film has been a fan favorite for decades and the familiar song of "Shake, Rattle and Roll" makes its expected appearance as Michael Holland (the composer and musical supervisor) pays homage to the film's original score by John Morris. The entire cast delivers the hilarity expected from the original film. James Taylor Odom as Wadsworth is spot on and a delight throughout. Terri Kelly as Mrs. White pays homage to the late, great Madeline Kahn who originated the role in the film–especially in her "flames on the side of my face" moment. John Shartzer as Mr. Green is the standout of the ensemble. His character has been given more to work with in the play. Shartzer milks every laugh that he rightfully earns. Clue: Live on Stage is a quick 90 minutes without intermission. It moves fast but takes the time to relish in the love of fans and introduce its humor to a new audience. Don't miss it. Clue: Live on Stage, presented by Broadway at DPAC, runs through September 8, 2024, at Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham NC. For tickets, please visit www.dpacnc.com or the Ticket Center at DPAC in person, or call 919-680-2787. For information on the tour, visit clueliveonstage.com. Based on the Screenplay by: Jonathan Lynn Cast: |
