“Clue: a new comedy” Milwaukee reviewed by Caitlin Collado and Amy Menzel

***** How many of you have played the Hasbro game “Clue”? This is a murder mystery game where each player is a character and as the game proceeds, after a murder is committed, it is with the clues that the layers try to solve the case. The game has been played for many years and then a film was made that was based on the game and a cult group was formed. Last year, Chicago was treated to an excellent production at The Mercury Theatre and now, Wisconsin is having its premiere at The Marcus Performing Arts Center.

Directed by Casey Hushion, the audience becomes the “fly on the wall” at Boddy Manor for a dinner party that ends up being an evening of murder and blackmail. The action is non-stop and in 90 minutes ( no intermission) with characters that you will feel you know ( if you have previously played the game); Mrs. Peacock- did she do the deed? What about Colonel Mustard? Could it have been him? In the library? What about Mr. Green? He truly stood out with his anxious personality.

“Clue” is based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn and is written by Sandy Rustin with some additional materials supplied by Eric Price and Hunter Foster. The set ( Lee Savage) is a major part of this play as each room is a potential murder scene and the original music by Michael Holland helps add to the suspense.

Hard to believe, but this game came to be in 1949 making it 75 years old with the film version almost 40 years old itself. Guess what kids? Non-electronic games can develop their own super-power and this play does just that. You will find yourself laughing for almost the entire last 20 minutes as they recap what has happened to reveal the ending. I am not 100% sure, but I think they have some flexibility  on that part, making it a terrific show to see more than once.

You only have a short time to see this super production which closes on the 17th so call414-273-7207 and order your tickets right away. The box office and theater are located at 929 Water Street and the website is www.MarcusCenter.org

Performances are :

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 7:30 p.m.

Saturday  2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Sunday  1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $425.0 ( a bargain)

To follow the “Clue” visit www.clueliveonstage.com

” Clue” reviewed by Amy Menzel *****

All the usual suspects – Colonel Mustard, Mrs. Peacock, Professor Plum, and crew – have received a mysterious invitation to the Boddy mansion. You may be familiar with this place and its many rooms – the library, the billiard room, the study…they’re all there behind doors, both secret and not. As the guests try to figure out who invited them and why, they are each given a gift of sorts – a rope, a candlestick, a dagger, a revolver, a wrench, and a lead pipe. And, with that, the game is afoot.

Wadsworth, played to perfection by Mark Price, doubles as the host at Boddy manor and host to those in the house. Michelle Elaine and John Shartzer, as Miss Scarlet and Mr. Green, bring the house down with their comedic contributions. As an ensemble, this cast works well, sneaking and peeking through the mayhem and murder.

Classic board game enthusiasts will appreciate the attention to detail in costuming and set design. Others will simply appreciate the intricacy and aesthetic appeal. Naturally, it is a dark and stormy night when this mystery occurs, yet the ominous mood is playfully offset by the humor and hijinks that ensue.

If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced theatrical ride, this is it. Clue is full of quick quips and clever physical comedy that keeps the audience laughing, gasping, and (of course) guessing until the final curtain.

★★★★

Wednesday-Friday – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday – 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday – 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Post-Show Q&A: Thursday, March 14

Sign language interpretation: Saturday, March 16 at 2 p.m.

The show runs 1 hour and 30 minutes without intermission.

Tickets start at $42.50 and are available at MarcusCenter.org.

Hurry- you will not want to miss this one!!!