Clue Live on Stage!

My wife and I made our annual trip to the Kravis Center last weekend (my mother-in-law volunteers there and gets us tickets), this time to see Clue Live on Stage!, an adaptation of the 1985 film.  I see I haven't reviewed that here yet...hmmm.  Need a rewatch (it's been a while) and will get back to you.  I have fond memories of it and the mystery whodunnit board game that inspired it.  Anyone familiar has walked around saying something like "Colonel Mustard, with a wrench, in the library."  

I was hoping this production would be several steps above dinner theater level.  It initially gave off that impression.  None to worry, as this cast is wholly invested to this twisty tale of six disparate types invited to a New England mansion for dinner one stormy night in 1954.  It seems they all have some connections to the government, and all are being blackmailed by one Mr. Boddy (Alex Syiek). Wadsworth (Jeff Skowron) is the butler/host/gamemaster who assigns pseudonyms to the guests:

1. "Mrs. Peacock" (Jennifer Allen), wife of a U.S. Senator

2. "Miss Scarlet" (Christina Anthony), a lady of the evening, quite popular in Washington, D.C. 

3. "Mrs. White" (Donna English), widow of at least four men who passed under suspicious circumstances

4. "Colonel Mustard" (David Hess), a rather daft Army officer

5. "Mr. Green" (John Shartzer), State Department employee, closeted homosexual

6. "Professor Plum" (Evan Zes), former psychiatrist who works for the U.N.

Clue is a good old-fashioned door slamming farce.  Dark (there are several murders) but very lighthearted.  Plenty of mild innuendoes and puns.  Casey Hushion's direction is swift and graceful, the same of which can be said for the show itself, not even ninety minutes in length.  The stage design is ingenious, with pull-away walls and compartments to reveal other rooms in the mansion.   

The cast are all excellent, which special mention going to Shartzer, whose legs seem to be made of rubber.   An incredible physical performance.  Watch for his slow-mo dance with a descending chandelier.  This bit alone won deserved applause from the matinee audience.

The show is continuing on its tour in North Carolina this week and will move on to New Jersey, Ohio, Wisconsin, and into Canada through the spring.