SALT LAKE CITY — I never know what to expected when I attend a theatre production based off of a film. Is it going to be better or worse? Totally different? Will it still have my favorite bits? These were all questions running through my head as I sat in my seat at Eccles theatre waiting for tonight’s show to start.
Clue: Live On Stage! is based of the classic whodunit board game, where six guest are invited to a mysterious Mr. Boddy’s mansion. While attending their host is murdered but who did it, where, and with what? The guests and staff frantically try to figure things out before they become the next victims. This stage adaption, based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn and 1985 Paramount Motion Picture based on the Hasbro board game, was written by Sandy Rustin with addition material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price and is directed by Saki Kawamura.
Although there are murders happening on stage this production isn’t scary or emotionally intense. The melodramatic, over the top acting might seem cheesy, but that is exactly what gives this show it’s appeal. Each cast member was well chosen, bringing their own style and flair to the characters, while still giving nods to their film counterparts.
Acting
Mrs. Peacock, played by Madeline Raube, was a great icebreaking character with her constant chatter and colorful personality. She definitely like to put on airs, but she had her unpolished edges such as her table manners as she slurped her soup, exclaimed over it, and then gargled as she attempted to slurp and exclaim at the same time. She claimed her mouth was for God when offered drink at first, all the while she was touting her own bottle. She might go to church every Sunday but she is no saint.
Contrasting with Ms. Peacock was cool and self confident Ms. Scarlett, played by Camille Capers, and cold, emotional controlled Ms. White, played by Sarah Mackenzie Baron. Ms White, upon opening her gift with the rope inside exclaimed, “A snake!” and then very calmly said, “Oh, a rope.” This small outbursts quickly followed by a lack of emotion revealed a character that was wearing a mask. I enjoyed Baron’s frequent dead pan reactions to the chaos around her. Caper’s portrayal of Ms. Scarlet was edged with humor and a warmth that comes from a strong confident woman.
The male guests were just as contrasted from each other as the female characters. Colonel Mustard, played by Nate Curlott, was a pompous bumbling fool who acted as thought he knew everything although it is apparent to everyone else that he does not. It was almost endearing the way he would misunderstand words. His confidence, along with the confidence of Professor Plum, played by Kyle Yampiro, contrasted nicely to the jumpy, nervous behavior of Mr. Green played by TJ Lamando. This jumpiness frequently led to clumsy moments which added to the chaos scenes.
All the guests and actions were spurred forward nicely by the Wadsworth the butler, played by Adam Brett. Brett’s high energy was unmatched as he bounded, leaped, twirled, and collapsed during his recounting summary part way through the show. Brett showed a wide variety of characterizations as he imitated each of the party guests and staff members. This energy transferred to the other cast members as the party moved from room to room.
The moments were not only comical but were highly enjoyable with a variety of blocking, from running as a side by side group, sneaking all bunched up, traveling single file with Col. Mustard facing the wrong direction. No two room transfers were the exact same. The ability of the cast to quickly weave in and out and through each other was evident when they divide into pairs and search the mansion. I loved the use of dance to emphasis the pairing at the start of the search.
Design
The lighting design by Ryan O’Gara really help to not only create different rooms, but also add to the story. I loved that the main area of the stage was dim during the search, but that each individual room had light flowing out as the doors.. The sharp contrast helped bring focus to each pair as they searched.I also appreciated the choice to have the lightening flash not only on stage but to angle out and hit the audience eyes, making it harder for the audience to see what was happening in the dark.
The set designed by Lee Savage made use of a unit set of the entry hall, along with wall that dropped in from the fly system, and rolled in from the back, but my favorite aspect were the walls of the unit set that opened at an angle to reveal the lounge and the study. I really enjoyed a show that use traditional and clever set pieces and didn’t just rely on projection.
It is important to note that this particular show is meant to be over the top slapstick and melodramatic. Many characters that are stereotyped such as the risque French maid and over-the-top cop. This is not a show that is meant to give the shivers of emotionally move you, nor be realistic. The characters all over react and frequently in unison. The production is about 90 minutes long and has no intermission. If you are a fan of the 1985 film or enjoy slapstick comedies, or whodunit stories this production is worth checking out.
MORE INFO: Clue Live On Stage! plays February 10–15, 2026 at the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Theater (131 South Main Street, Salt Lake City). Ticket prices vary by performance and seating. For more information, visit Broadway at the Eccles – Clue Event Page.