Review for CLUE: ON STAGE, Allen Contemporary Theatre






Review for Clue: On Stage
Reviewer: Natalie Shaw

We can trace the act of accusation all the way back to Adam and Eve in the Garden, when God asks Adam, "Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?" and Adam replies, "The woman you put here with me--she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it." In the late 1600's, those who were accused of heresy or being witches were burned for their alleged evildoing. More recently, Blacklisting Communists (or, rather, those suspected as being such) was so rampant that almost every celebrity or well-known individual was either found guilty of being a "Commy," or narrowly escaped the official, and very literal, list of those being ostracized. We are so quick to point the finger and find faults in others, and cowardly when it comes to owning up! Our human behavior is just so...so... ludicrous!!

Thus begins our tale. Through the eyes of the absurd and the absurdity of the absurd, we chuckle at our own follies and human faults. Perhaps, we laugh in order to keep from crying, or perhaps it's just a way for us to passive-aggressively confess our sins. In this caricature-driven tragi-comedy, Clue: On Stage exposes our blunders by use of the elements found in the 1950's genre of Theatre of the Absurd. This classic "who dunnit" tale, also set during the 1950's Red Scare, uncovers themes of murder, death and fear, however, in such an over-dramatized fashion, it is complete and utter NONSENSE! We begin our story with eleven actors, and fourteen caricature characters, whom we meet one at a time, each time the doorbell rings. To make it plain, I'll provide a picture and a short-list of each character with his/her stereotypical attribute:



Yvette, played by Ms. Maddy Maslow is the fru-fru French maid in the frilly skirt who values her appearance. 

Wadsworth, played by Mr. Brett Femrite is your stuffy British butler who narrates the story.

Colonel Mustard, played by Mr. Kevin Moriarty, is the dunce of the group, ironically speaking, since he is supposed to be a strategic, experienced military leader.

Mrs. White, played by Ms. Veronica Green, is your high-society, money-grubbing rich wife of five previous well-to-do husbands.

Mrs. Peacock, played by Ms. Gena Graham is...well, much like a peacock in appearance, but also a privileged politician's wife. 

Mr. Green, played by Mr. Martin Mussey, is your germa-phobic weakling, who can't stand the sight of blood and pukes at the sight of anything remotely grotesque. 

Professor Plum, played by Mr. Budd Mahan, is the proud doctor (albeit of psychology) with a profound sexual appetite. 

Miss Scarlet, played by Ms. Maxine Frauenheim is the professional escort and busty beauty of the group, who is always looking to expand her clientele. 

Mr. Logan Gaconnier plays multiple characters, namely Mr. Boddy (the host of the evening and blackmailer,) a Motorist, who asks to use the telephone after his car has been broken down on the side of the road, and a Cop searching for the above-named Motorist

Finally, a cameo performance by Ms. Mary Cay Mussey is a Singing Telegram Girl who meets her demise within seconds of her appearance on stage.    

The name of the game is to find the murderer among the group. It could be anybody, it could be everybody, or it could be nobody. Much like the popular board game, the play is strategic and mysteriously manipulative in nature. The beginning is ambiguous, the middle is perplexing and the ending is quite hesitant. Here, you draw your own conclusions, condemning a criminal of your own choosing, based on a shameful shortcoming of evidence against them. If it weren't so funny, it might look a lot like...well, the Criminal Justice System, hypothetically speaking, of course. *wink, wink.* Nobody is who they seem to be, but they are exactly who you suspect them to be.

Let's have some fun, shall we?! Can we just talk about how Ms. Gena Graham brought Ms. Peacock's walk and talk? The tiny shuffling of her feet with her high-pitched voice through pursed lips is too funny for words. She is hysterically clever! Or, what about Ms. Veronica Green's dramatically Dracula-like intensity? I'd thought for sure the Devil had arrived when the doorbell rang and Mrs. White was behind the door. She is impressively believable as the villain! I'd initially suspected Mr. Brad Femrite's Wadsworth as the killer, but his suave, handsome appearance deceives our premonitions. He is expertly charming in this role! Mr. Martin Mussey is delightfully brilliant as the squeamish and bashful Mr. Green, much like a turtle who retreats to his shell when startled. And, poor old Colonel Mustard, is just too awkwardly moronic for words! Mr. Kevin Moriarty's portrayal of the know-it-all idiot is sublimely laughable.  

Lastly, I must highlight the production team. Director Kathleen Vaught beautifully recounts this comical narrative with such creative humor. Set designer Randy Sandifer, Master Builder Bill Walsh and Set Decorators Eddy Herring and Nancy Cecco construct a functional and stunning set, full of color and glamour. Specifically, the use of the traveling doors to each room of the mansion, the strobe lights and the gorgeous costumes by Alison Kingwell all add the extra pizzazz, electricity and charisma to this already amusing allegory.  The crew members (managed by Marie Peteuil) and musical talent by Melissa Couture are an additional engaging element to the play, one that adds that little extra--like sprinkles on a cupcake. 

ACT brings the show! In one word, this play is "fun," as I heard several patrons say, and I couldn't agree more. What a wonderful night out with laughter, snacks and great company! This is the best date-night plan of the weekend, and you truly shouldn't miss it. 

To note: there are sounds of gunshots, lightning/thunder; use of strobe lights; themes of lewdness and homosexuality. This comedy is best suited for mature audiences. Accessible seating is available.   

 










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