Before I even write the words, I know what you’re gonna say.

“What? You’ve never played the game?” “You’ve never seen the movie?” “Are you serious?” “Where have you been?” Yes, it’s true. I have never played the game or seen the movie “Clue”. There! I said it!

I’ve certainly heard about it and I do find it hard to believe that I’ve never watched the 1985 film which became a kind of cult classic, especially since it starred some of my absolute favorites; Tim Curry, Lesley Ann Warren, Eileen Brennan and the one and only Madeline Kahn. It’s interesting to note that this film was adapted from the board game and then the stage play was adapted from both. They all stay true to the central cast of characters and “basic” storyline, however each format tends to take on its own life as it progresses. Now “Clue: On Stage” makes its way to the Forestburgh Playhouse and I get to finally see it. 

Six guests are invited to a mansion for dinner and arrive, of course, on a dark and stormy night. They are individually greeted by the well-spoken butler Wadsworth (played by Gregory James). This literally colorful cast of characters include the sexy Miss Scarlet (Kaitlyn Frotton), the off-the-wall politician’s wife Mrs. Peacock (Susan J. Jacks), the wife of five mysteriously dead husbands Mrs. White (Jane Eriksen), a practicing, yet not practicing psychiatrist/doctor Professor Plum (Jason Guy), and a quite flexible Republican who is proud of his sexual orientation Mr. Green (Dylan Goike). Along with the guests, there is a cook, a maid, police officers, a stranded motorist and the owner/host of the mansion Mr. Boddy (all played by Tatiana Burns, Alastar Dimitrie and Jun Kim). 

It doesn’t take long for this nutty group of guests to find out that they have been blackmailed and must work together to discover the identity of a murderer whose body count is beginning to get out of hand. For those of you who are in the same boat as me in not having beheld this wacky comedy, know now that the antics that commence and continue throughout the 90 minute intermission-less play are the very definition of a campy, over-the-top, pun-filled, one-liner saturated farcical stage adventure. There is no gasp in horror or contorted facial expression that is too big for this production. Physical comedy reigns supreme and continues to the very end with a finale extraordinaire perpetrated by Mr. Gregory James as Wadsworth. (He also steals the show in an earlier one-man recap of the murderous events.

I may point out this one actor’s highlights, but the truth is that this acing ensemble does it all. They make it happen….. together. A true ensemble. They work together for every laugh rather than trying to independently shine. This successful teamwork is the result of an incredibly stellar directing job by Trent Blanton. This man takes on Everest and Denali at once! He directs a big cast on a small stage in a show that has so many moving parts. Who would do that? Trent Blanton does and his results are fantastic. Now, that’s not to say that he didn’t have some very capable assistance. The actors weren’t the only stars of this production. Behind the scenes were stars like Calvin Anderson whose light design enhanced every single scenario inside this mansion. Another backstage star was Costume designer Adrienne Williams. The costumes brought the board game to life before our eyes. Michael Donahue’s Sound design couldn’t have been more on cue. This guy had tons of sound effects from thunder to gun shots to off-stage noises that had to be timed perfectly. But I do have to give the standing ovation to Scenic Designer Tim Golebieski for his masterful set. Wow! The Forestburgh Playhouse’s stage is not that big at all and yet Mr. Golebiewski somehow manages to come up with sliding on and off rooms. Not sliding panels. Rooms. The main set itself is a polished wood look entry parlor that emulates the mansions of the old movie mysteries with its many doors that go off here and there to Lord knows where! Director Blanton’s staging and delightfully creative use of running/dancing about the playing area worked wonders to illustrate the characters roaming about the expansive estate. This resourceful and imaginative tech team made this well oiled machine run like a top!

Yes, it’s a murder mystery, but it’s a zany, crazy and wildly funny murder mystery. In most mysteries, we can’t wait to see “who-dun-it”. In this show, the resolution kinda ends all the fun. But that’s okay, because the rollercoaster ride to that conclusion was worth it!

“Clue: On Stage” will run through July 2. Tickets and info are available through the box office at (845)-794-1194 or online at fbplayhouse.org.