There’s nothing better on a frozen February Chicago night than a murder in an out-of-the-way mansion, with an eccentric cast of strangers—each with something to hide. Add in a shifty butler who may be a reliable narrator or could quite possibly be a cold-blooded killer, and we’re in business.
We open on Boddy Manor, the setting for Clue, a play based on a movie, based on a board game, inspired by the classic mysteries of Agatha Christie and the genre masters. Wadsworth the butler (Jeff Skowron) and the lovely maid Yvette (Elisabeth Yancey), have plenty of secrets. And they’re not the only ones with something to hide.
Fans of the board game and movie will immediately recognize the mysterious dinner guests: Colonel Mustard (David Hess), Mrs. White (Donna English), Mrs. Peacock (Joanna Glushak), Mr. Green (John Shartzer), Professor Plum (Jonathan Spivey), and Miss Scarlet (Christina Anthony). Their host, Mr. Boddy (Alex Syiek), arrives soon thereafter with a flourish and launches into his elaborate scheme to blackmail, well, everyone.
But when the lights go out, so do his plans, because when the lights come back up, Boddy’s dead… What follows is a whirlwind of mystery, mischief, and mayhem.
Broadway in Chicago’s Cluedunnit, in a limited run at the CIBC Theatre, has a lot going for it. It’s smart, funny, and delightfully self-aware. For a play about eight people trapped together in seemingly mortal danger, it may be the best escape in Chicago theater right now.
If you’re looking for a night of deep reflection on the frailty of human existence, this isn’t your show. But if you’re in the mood for 90 minutes of solid laughs, a cozy mystery, and a good time, Clue is the perfect pick.
I won’t spoil the fun, but here’s the gist. It’s 1954. There’s a house full of secrets, a butler with plenty of his own, a maid who’s hiding something, and six suspicious guests.
Oh, and someone’s killing off the people who arrive at the manor trying to figure out what’s going on.
For a show with more than its share of grisly murders, the comedy is light and fun. Sandy Rustin’s writing features witty banter that keeps the action moving. Casey Hushion’s exceptional direction, with sharply choreographed chase scenes, slapstick hijinx, a whole lotta running in place, and a matrix-style near-chandelier crash, draws every conceivable comedic moment from Rustin’s script.
With standout performances by Skowron and Shartzer, the ensemble is fantastic. And lighting designer Ryan O’Gara, along with sound designer Jeff Human and composer Michael Holland, work wonders layering whimsical elements of their own into the board-game-esque action.
Fans of the movie will find plenty of memorable moments. Fans of the board game will love seeing the characters, complete with murder weapons, brought to life. Fans of neither will laugh out loud, nonetheless.
As an audience member, you have two ways to enjoy this 90-minute board game on stage. The first option is to play detective. My daughter, who came with me to the opening, took this approach—leaning over at key moments to whisper her take on the latest suspect and motive, piecing together clues like a modern-day Enola Holmes.
The second option, my choice, is to simply sit back and enjoy the theatrical spectacle—appreciating the sharp direction, the seamless technical execution, and the impeccable comedic timing of the cast.
In this round of Clue, either move works.
Clue runs through March 1 at The CIBC Theater, 18 West Monroe, Chicago. You can get tickets here. For more Chicago reviews or show information, see chicagoonstage.com or theatreinchicago.com.