Photos by Ryan Loyd, Rylo Media Design
A group of well-to-do strangers, each with something to hide, meets on a dark and stormy night in a mansion full of secrets. A classic setup for a killer show.
Featuring a talented cast of students participating in SLO REP’s Academy of CreativeTheatre, Clue is a fast-paced farce that you won’t want to miss. The production is packed with laughs, creative effects, and—naturally—a fair share of murder.
The question, as always, is: whodunnit? As in, who makes this show such a fantastic time? Well, break out your corkboards and red thread because here are the suspects:
- Colonel Mustard (Sam Molina) is a master of one-liners. Molina catches you off guard with side-splitting moments of comic misunderstanding. He never breaks from Mustard’s gruff demeanor, bringing life to this classic character.
- The performatively innocent Mrs. Peacock (Harmony Turley) is both definitions of hysterical. Turley fully commits to the character, with each gasp and inflection shaping Mrs. Peacock every time she pipes up. Turley does a wonderful job at making Mrs. Peacock equal parts suspicious and sweet.
- Clara Walters creates the perfect femme fatale in Miss Scarlet. Her cool, confident, and sarcastic demeanor is a great antidote to the chaos of the production. Walters’ performance brings a touch of old Hollywood glamor that is ideal for a classic murder mystery.
- The anxious Mr. Green (Scout Robles) provides a hilarious touch of slapstick. Robles’ performance is a masterclass of physical comedy, making every overreaction and klutzy moment a blast. Mr. Green is always one move away from throwing a wrench into things, but Robles makes it impossible not to root for him.
- Mrs. White (Greenlee Anderson) plays deadpan with a touch of danger. Anderson keeps you wondering what Mrs. White is capable of, staring daggers at the other suspects and throwing out witty lines. The bleak Mrs. White is as memorable as she is menacing.
- Professor Plum (Jonah Vander Kam) is no dull, tweedy academic. This professor is a real pistol: suave, self-assured, and a little bit seedy. Vander Kam’s confidence and force of personality make the suspicious professor a delight to watch.
It isn’t just the guests, however, who make Clue a riot. Gwen Markham charms as Yvette, a French maid with a mysterious connection to one of the guests. Markham’s over-the-top accent makes every one of Yvette’s lines wildly entertaining.
Finally, the driving force of the show is classic British butler Wadsworth (Gwyn Lincoln). Among all the chaos and madcap adventure, Wadsworth guides the guests and pulls strings when necessary. Lincoln plays Wadsworth with dedication and boundless energy. Between the hilarious accent work and bombastic monologues, Lincoln’s performance is an impressive feat.
So, whodunnit?
The real answer is that it isn’t just one actor who makes the production into such a fabulous time. Nothing can hold a candle to this cast’s comedic chemistry.
Clue’s style of high-energy farce only achieves full effect with perfect teamwork, and the cast is completely in sync. The timing of every group reaction, every barb back and forth, and even the occasional impromptu dance number is achieved with skill and coordination.
Rachel Tietz deserves abundant praise for her direction, ensuring that this wild ride runs smooth as silk.
If you enter Mr. Boddy’s mansion, prepare for hilarity and horror. “
In addition to the performances and direction, the sets, costumes, and effects contribute hugely to the success of this show. The scenic design (Dave Linfield) and costume design (Barbara Harvey Abbott) immediately engulf you in the world of a wealthy 1950s home. Kevin Harris’ lighting and sound design also are impeccable—and essential for a play full of blackouts, thunder, and other such distractions for its dastardly deeds.
If you enter Mr. Boddy’s mansion, prepare for hilarity and horror. This show will rope you in immediately and keep you on your toes until the truth is finally unveiled.
From beginning to end, it’s a bloody good time.