MYSTERY IN THE CARDS
‘Clue’ musical draws audience into the action
Who killed Mr. Boddy? That’s the question that has been asked since 1949 in the board game “Clue.” Over the years, the game has been made into a film and developed into a musical.
Musical Theatre Southwest’s cast of eight will take the stage in “Clue The Musical” beginning tonight and running through May 1.
“We’re always looking for something new to do,” says Jacie Coryell, production coordinator. “There’s a lot of competition in town for musicals. If we can grab something new that is getting released, we try for it. We all can’t do the same thing.”
“Clue” is based on the board game, and the plot concerns a murder at a mansion, occupied by several suspects, that is solved by a detective. The ending is determined by cards drawn by audience members that select the murderer, murder weapon and location of the murder.
“This musical not only brings the board game to life with a full-size game board painted on the theater floor; it also invites the audience to play along, and create the outcome for our actors,” says director Robb A. Sisneros.
The audience members receive forms to help them deduce the solution from clues given throughout the fun-filled evening. Audience members choose from cards representing the potential murderers, weapons and rooms; there are 216 possible solutions.
Coryell says the production of “Clue” will be the first time the company has performed it and the first time it’s been done in New Mexico.
She says the cast’s experience ranges from novice to experienced.
“The woman that plays Mrs. White, she has never been on stage before,” she says. “It’s refreshing to see all of the good energy that is surrounding this production.”
The production will run for four weeks. More information can be found at musicaltheatresw.com.