In all of the years I’ve been attending Broadway touring shows, I cannot recall the show not being a musical. Usually, the comedies and dramas that are hits end up in local theatres. So, it was with quite a bit of curiosity that I walked into the Jubilee Auditorium to see Clue, playing until July 26^th.

Based on the beloved board game and the 1985 cult-classic film, the stage adaptation successfully captures the spirit of both while creating a theatrical experience that feels fresh, energetic, and wildly fun.

From the moment the lights dim, the production wastes no time drawing the audience into the mysterious world of Boddy Manor. The story follows six strangers who are invited to a secluded mansion, where secrets are revealed, murders occur, and everyone becomes a suspect. Although the plot is intentionally chaotic, the actors maintain an impressive pace that keeps the audience engaged while delivering rapid-fire jokes and surprising twists. The show's greatest strengths is its cast. Each performer embraces the exaggerated personalities of their character, creating a colorful ensemble that perfectly balances comedy with mystery. The chemistry among the cast makes every interaction entertaining, whether the characters are accusing one another of murder or frantically racing through the mansion. Adam Brett stands out in portraying Wadsworth, the butler, with remarkable stamina and impeccable comic timing, guiding the audience through the increasingly outrageous events with precision and charm. It is hard to take one’s eyes off him, from a perfectly timed raised eyebrow to prancing through the manor, Brett puts on a performance that is worthy of the legacy of the film’s character portrayed by Tim Curry.

As a fan of puns and wordplay, I was delighted by the witty one-liners, slapstick humor, and perfectly timed visual gags. Fans of the original movie will appreciate the numerous references and familiar characters, while newcomers can easily enjoy the story without prior knowledge. The production wisely avoids taking itself too seriously, embracing its absurdity and allowing the audience to laugh from beginning to end.

The set design is another highlight of the production. Clever moving scenery allows the action to shift quickly from room to room, creating the feeling of stepping inside the iconic Clue board game. Combined with dramatic lighting, thunderous sound effects that resulted in legitimate jumps from audience members, and inventive stage mechanics, the visual presentation keeps the audience fully immersed throughout the performance.

Overall, Clue is a thoroughly entertaining theatrical experience that combines mystery, comedy, and spectacular stagecraft into an unforgettable evening. Whether you are a lifelong fan of the board game, enjoy the classic film, or simply want an evening filled with laughter, this production is well worth seeing. It is a clever, energetic, and expertly executed performance that proves some mysteries are even more enjoyable when experienced live.

I look forward to seeing if this starts a trend of bringing in non-musical shows. As much as we all love a good song, variety, especially when done this well, is great.