The 1985 movie “Clue” was a comedy totem for we children of the 1980s. Goofily based on the Parker Brothers board game, this madcap murder mystery played to the strengths of great comedic actors like Martin Mull, Christopher Lloyd, Madeline Kahn and Michael McKean. At the center of it all is a tour de force performance by the late, great Tim Curry.
Witty repartee, a breakneck pace and a single location make “Clue” an ideal stage adaptation. Now playing at the Fox Theatre through Oct. 4, “Clue” channels the zany spirit of the movie while giving the ensemble cast plenty of chances to shine.
This tale of blackmail and murder takes place on a stormy evening as six strangers are summoned to a dinner party at a stately manor. The guests are given pseudonyms, and one by one we meet the studious Professor Plum (Kyle Yampiro), the sultry Miss Scarlett (Camille Capers), the dim-witted Colonel Mustard (Nate Curlott), the dour Mrs. White (Sarah Mackenzie Baron), the manic Mr. Green (TJ Lamando) and the prim and proper Mrs. Peacock (Madeline Raube).
Their host for the evening is the humble butler Wadsworth (Adam Brett) who promises all will be revealed in good time. It’s not long before a murder most foul takes place and the mystery deepens as the bodies begin to pile up.
The stage version of “Clue” is highly reliant on the film when it comes to jokes, characters and overall structure. Even still, there is room for a few surprises as the energy of the cast and the fun of the script are infectious to the point that it’s almost impossible not to have a good time.
The cast is solid throughout, even though they are stepping into some very big shoes. The standout is Brett, as he gets some big laughs and applause as his Wadsworth has not one, but two instances in which he gets to chew the scenery with his rapid-fire delivery and overly hammy physical performance.
“Clue” is simply a lot of fun, and clocking in at a brisk 90 minutes (with no intermission) it makes for the perfect night of theater for the entire family, as even the shortest attention spans will find it hard to get distracted.
“Clue” is now playing at the Fox Theatre through Oct. 4. For tickets, call 314-534-1111 or go to metrotix.com.
