With shows set to run on the weekends of November 15-16 and November 22-23, this investigation dives into how preparations have been going for the cast and crew of “Clue.” Students share that this might just be the production to rope you in.
The board game “Clue” was released in 1949 and continues to bring families together in an experience of wit and mystery. Since its release, however, “Clue” has been adapted into a film, and finally a stage play in 1997.
“Clue” lengthens the modernized streak set by last year’s fall production of “Harvey,” showcasing a classic dinner party murder mystery tale with six distinctive guests presented as suspects.
The announcement of the choice sparked immediate interest and excitement in students.
“I was instantly thrilled. ‘Clue’ has been one of my favorite board games forever, and I am a big fan of the movie too,” senior Katie Snyder, who will be featured as Mrs. White, said. “I think that it’s so interesting, the cast of characters and how they each have their own unique features.”
Beginning in late September, the audition process offered opportunities for both veterans of the program and those just entering to get involved.
“To see the cast list with my name next to a major player in this show was really shocking, but also validating and exciting,” sophomore Scarlett Rein, who is playing Ms. Scarlet said. “I’ve never played like a lead character before.”
The play itself was a pick that is expected to tap into the community aspect well, with a plethora of roles helping to bring the storyline to life.
“What I like about the show is that it’s very much an ensemble piece,” junior Scott Snyder, who is set to play Colonel Mustard, said. “Unlike other shows I’ve done in the past, all parts are about even.”
Rehearsals happen most days after school, and anticipation builds as show dates approach.
“We got through our first round of blocking and it went very successfully,” Katie Snyder said. “Now it’s really exciting, as we’re starting to get more of the set pieces and props in.”
Trademarked for its quick pace, this show demands focus from all cast members and crew.
“It’s hard and tedious, which is to be expected, especially with a production as complicated timing wise as ‘Clue’ is,” Rein said. “‘It’s a funny show, but there’s not a lot of room for error, especially with the murder aspect. [Rehearsal’s] been a lot of making sure you have your blocking down.”
One unique aspect of this production is the musical element junior Juliette Loyd will bring in.
“The whole play is underscored with a live pianist,” director Ms. Roxie Everly said. “Juliette Loyd is actually going to do that for us.”
Everly, alongside student director Louis Lanza, has been working with students to prepare, and predicts the humor will be a huge audience draw.
“The kids put a lot of effort in,” Everly said. “The last rehearsal we had, we were on the floor laughing because of what was happening in the show.”
With just a few weeks left before opening, tech will be incorporated to finalize production.
“It is going to be a blast,” Katie Snyder said. “There’s the thrill and the excitement, the mystery and murder, and it is nothing like we’ve ever done before.”
CORRECTION: A previous version of this story said that the shows would run November 14-16 and 21-23, but they will not be running on Fridays. It also included a typo in a name spelling. This story has since been updated to correct the run dates and the typo.
