‘Clue: On Stage': GLT’s 1st show of season is a fun whodunit

By RUTHIE ROBISON - Managing Editor of the Greenwood Commonwealth

“Clue: On Stage” is a fun whodunit that is sure to entertain audiences.

The show is kicking off Greenwood Little Theatre’s 69th season. “Clue: On Stage,” directed by Forrest Hodge, debuts at 7 p.m. Thursday at Davis Elementary School Auditorium, 400 Cotton St. Performances will also be held at 7 p.m. Friday and at 2 p.m. Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday.

The play is based off the popular Hasbro board game Clue and the 1985 movie it inspired by the same name.

Like the game, the play is a murder mystery, and the six dinner guests try to determine who murdered the victims, where the crimes took place and which weapon was used. 

JT Hurst stars as Wadsworth, who is the butler of Boddy Manor and the organizer of an unusual dinner party being held at the mansion.

He welcomes six guests, who come to the manor under pseudonyms.

The guests include Colonel Mustard (Jimmy Agnew), Professor Plum (Charles Freeman), Mr. Green (Laine Tribble), Mrs. White (Nichole Henry), Mrs. Peacock (Cyndi Long) and Ms. Scarlet (Rachael Faught).

Set in 1954 during McCarthy’s Red Scare, the guests find out that they all have connections to Washington, D.C.

The six guests do not know why they have been invited to this dinner party until another guest arrives — Mr. Boddy (Kelton Cochran).

Wadsworth reveals that each guest has been invited because they are all victims of blackmail, and Mr. Boddy is the one blackmailing them for misdeeds that could ruin their reputations either professionally or socially.

Soon, the six are each given a murder weapon — a candlestick, revolver, rope, lead pipe, wrench and dagger. After being given the weapons, the first dead body to appear quickly follows. 

Led by Wadsworth, a wild goose chase ensues as the guests try to discover who killed the first victim. As they try to solve the mystery, more bodies begin to appear — each killed a different way.

The perfectly delivered banter between the cast members provides laughs throughout the show.

Hurst’s Wadsworth delivers humor, wit and physical comedy.

While the play centers on a murder mystery, the plot isn’t meant to be a serious crime thriller. Instead, it’s a fun, campy delight. 

Boddy Manor really comes to life with the custom-made set featuring rolling pieces that give the illusion of changing rooms.

With precise execution, the lighting, sound effects and musical underscoring by Paul Brown all add to the unfolding drama at Boddy Manor.

“Clue: On Stage” is a theatrical good time.

The play contains some violence, loud noises and mild innuendos. It is recommended for ages 12 and up. The runtime is 90 minutes. There will also be flashing lights. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, send an email to ticketing@greenwoodlittletheatre.com, call 662-219-3822 or visit greenwoodlittletheatre.com.