Clue - A New Comedy at the Peace Center
Clue - A New Comedy is a whirlwind of laughter and nostalgia, bringing the beloved murder mystery board game to life with fast-paced hilarity. Directorial finesse by Casey Hushion ensures a seamless blend of witty banter and physical comedy with mystery and intrigue, making it a welcoming experience for all ages.
From the moment the ominous thunder and lighting illuminates the eerie Boddy Manor, the audience is transported into a different yet familiar world. From the Billiard Room to the Study to the Kitchen, Lee Savage’s set design brilliantly encapsulates the essence of the game. The dynamic, ever-rotating rooms undergo transformations facilitated by the actors on stage, seamlessly transitioning from one scene to the next. This ingenuity creates a lively atmosphere without disrupting the flow of the narrative, adding to the unfolding chaos.
But what truly sets Clue - A New Comedy apart is its brilliant cast, who deliver performances as over-the-top as they are endearing. Each anticipated character — from the iconic “players” like Colonel Mustard, Mrs. Peacock, Mrs. White, Professor Plum, Mr. Green, and Miss Scarlet to the unexpected guests — comes to life with energetic and engaging performances and Sandy Rustin’s humorous writing.
The dialogue exchanges between cast members bounce back and forth with precision, keeping the viewer engaged and on their toes. As the butler, Mark Price proves particularly skilled in this regard and received a well-deserved round of applause after he delivered a humorous and speedy recap of the night's events as we catapulted towards the mystery’s conclusion.
However, the show isn’t just laughs and lightheartedness — there's a genuine sense of suspense. As the characters pair off two by two to investigate the murder, Michael Holland’s orchestral underscore accompanies quirky choreography that showcases the cast’s extensive range of skills.
And as more character backstories are exposed, one can’t help but try to piece together the puzzle and anticipate the next clue, all while never being fully able to put it all together. The plot undoubtedly twists and turns, keeping the audience guessing.
Without giving too much away, the ending is both unexpected and satisfying. The 90-minute, intermission-free performance was validated with an opening night standing ovation, and there was a palpable sense of joy as the audience left the theater.
In the end, Clue - A New Comedy is more than just a night of entertainment — it's a blast from the past come to life, filled with twists, turns, and plenty of laughs. Whether you're a fan of the original game or simply looking for a fun evening, this production has something for everyone.
Clue - A New Comedy runs through April 21 at the Peace Center. For details and tickets, visit peacecenter.org.
(Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade)
