CLUE LIVE ON STAGE is an Hilarious Must-See Whodunit (2024)

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CLUE LIVE ON STAGE! is a delightful theatrical adaptation of the classic board game and 1985 cult film, blending humor, mystery, and nostalgia into a highly entertaining evening.

With standout performances by a well rounded ensemble cast including theatre favorites Tari Kelly as Mrs. White (“Anastasia“), John Treacy Egan as Colonel Mustard (“The Little Mermaid”), and Mark Price as Wadsworth (“Mary Poppins”), the U.S. Tour of CLUE LIVE ON STAGE! brings the beloved characters to life with flair and wit.

The show, on its first U.S. Tour with stops in Costa Mesa (July 23-July 28, 2024) and Los Angeles (July 30-August 25, 2024), masterfully balances suspense and comedy. The plot follows six strangers, each with a secret, who are invited to a mansion and quickly find themselves embroiled in a murder mystery. The stage design by Lee Savage cleverly mimics the board game’s layout, with rooms that transform and rotate to keep the action dynamic and engaging.

The direction by Casey Hushion and pacing of the show ensure that the audience is constantly entertained, with rapid-fire dialogue, physical comedy, and unexpected twists. The cast’s chemistry is palpable, and their collective energy drives the narrative forward with a sense of fun and spontaneity.

The production values are top-notch, from the intricate set design to the period-appropriate costumes (Jen Caprio) that add to the authenticity of the 1950s setting. The lighting (Ryan O’Gara) and sound (Jeff Human) designs heighten the tension during key moments, while also contributing to the overall comedic atmosphere.

The Cast of CLUE LIVE ON STAGE!

Tari Kelly as Mrs. White is a standout. She captures the character’s dark, mysterious, and often sardonic nature with precision. Kelly’s comedic timing is impeccable, delivering her lines with a perfect balance of deadpan humor and exaggerated flair. Her portrayal of Mrs. White is both engaging and entertaining, infusing the character with a blend of wit and intrigue that keeps the audience riveted. Kelly’s ability to navigate the physical comedy aspects of the role adds an extra layer of enjoyment, making her performance one of the highlights of the show.

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John Treacy Egan‘s Colonel Mustard is equally impressive. Egan brings a delightful mix of bravado and cluelessness to the role, creating a character that is both endearing and hilariously inept. His physical comedy and expressive facial reactions are spot-on, enhancing the character’s buffoonish charm. Egan’s interactions with the other cast members, particularly his comedic exchanges with Tari Kelly’s Mrs. White, are a testament to his versatility and skill. He manages to make Colonel Mustard a lovable and memorable part of the ensemble, contributing significantly to the show’s overall comedic impact.

Michelle Elaine as Miss Scarlet is a captivating presence on stage. She infuses the role with a blend of sultry sophistication and sharp wit, perfectly capturing the essence of the character. Elaine’s performance is marked by her commanding stage presence and a keen sense of timing that ensures she stands out in every scene. Her chemistry with the other characters, especially during the rapid exchanges of dialogue, adds a dynamic energy to the production.

John Shartzer’s portrayal of Mr. Green is a comedic gem. Shartzer brings an endearing awkwardness to the character, making Mr. Green both relatable and laugh-out-loud funny. His physical comedy skills are on full display, and his ability to react to the unfolding chaos around him with a mix of bewilderment and earnestness provides some of the show’s most memorable moments. Shartzer’s interactions with the rest of the cast are seamless, showcasing his ability to blend into the ensemble while still making a distinct impression.

Mark Price as Wadsworth, the butler, is a revelation. Price’s performance is a perfect mix of manic energy and dry humor. His portrayal of Wadsworth drives much of the plot, and he skillfully navigates the rapid shifts in tone and pace. Price’s physicality and expressive delivery keep the audience engaged, and his comedic timing is impeccable. His ability to maintain a sense of control amid the chaos makes his performance a linchpin of the production.

Jonathan Spivey as Professor Plum is delightfully quirky and eccentric. Spivey brings a unique charm to the absent-minded academic, balancing the character’s intellectual aloofness with moments of surprising vulnerability and humor. His interactions with the other characters, particularly the female leads, are fraught with awkward yet endearing moments that add depth to the comedy. Spivey’s nuanced performance ensures that Professor Plum is both a source of humor and a fully realized character.

Mary McNulty‘s debut as Mrs. Peacock in CLUE LIVE ON STAGE! (a role she understudies) on July 24, 2024, at Segerstrom Center for the Arts was nothing short of spectacular. Stepping into the shoes of such a flamboyant and complex character, McNulty brought a fresh, dynamic energy that elevated the entire production.

In Conclusion

CLUE LIVE ON STAGE! is a must-see for fans of the original board game, the movie, or anyone who enjoys a good laugh mixed with a bit of mystery. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of CLUE that it can still captivate and entertain audiences in a new format, and this production does justice to its source material while offering fresh, modern twists. It’s a perfect blend of humor, suspense, and nostalgia that will leave audiences laughing and guessing until the very end.

To Clarify – this is a PLAY, not a MUSICAL.

Where to See CLUE LIVE ON STAGE

CURRENTLY: WASHINGTON DC | 9/17/24 – 10/06/24 | THE KENNEDY CENTER
CHARLOTTE, NC | 10/8/24 – 10/13/24 | BLUMENTHAL ARTS
SAN JOSE, CA | 10/29/24 – 11/3/24 | SAN JOSE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
ALBUQUERQUE, NM | 11/6/24 – 11/10/24 | POPEJOY HALL
TUCSON, AZ | 11/12/24 – 11/17/24 | CENTENNIAL HALL
BOISE, ID | 11/19/24 – 11/24/24 | MORRISON CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
SANTA BARBARA, CA | 11/26/24 – 11/27/24 | THE GRANADA THEATRE
THOUSAND OAKS, CA | 11/29/24 – 12/1/24 | BANK OF AMERICA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

For more dates and locations visit the official website at https://clueliveonstage.com/tour.

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