Stage Door Has Done It With CLUE: ON STAGE

ST. GEORGE — “Who done it?” is the question on everyone’s mind in Clue: On Stage, but at The Stage Door’s latest production, you’ll be laughing out loud just as often as you’re guessing. This fast-paced, farcical murder mystery is a delightful blend of slapstick, suspense, and nostalgia, offering a thoroughly entertaining night at the theatre.

Based on the iconic Hasbro board game and the cult-favorite 1985 film, Clue is a comedy whodunit that doesn’t require any prior knowledge of the source material to enjoy. But for those who grew up playing the game or quoting the movie, this production is a love letter to both. 

The show opens, as all great mysteries do, on a dark and stormy night in a remote New England mansion, where six eccentric guests—Miss Scarlet, Colonel Mustard, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, and Professor Plum are greeted by the enigmatic butler Wadsworth, the sultry maid Yvette, and a suspiciously silent cook. When their host, Mr. Boddy, turns up dead, the guests must unravel a web of secrets, blackmail, and murder.

The cast of Clue brought the classic whodunit to life with energy and charm. Barb Christensen, in the role of Mrs. Peacock, was a standout. Her comic timing and enthusiasm lit up the stage, making every scene she was in a pleasure to watch.  J. Bryan Dial plays Wadsworth with confident pacing and physical comedy, anchoring the show with a strong presence. Other members of the cast include Allyson Twitchell, Rachael Rose, Christine France, Nrad Christian, Robert Craig, Christian Navarrete, and ensemble roles covered by Katherine Wood, Jessie Osness, Isaiah Mair, and Garrett Mair. 

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the production was seeing mature adults take on roles with grace and confidence. Their presence added depth and experience to the cast, and it was clear they were having fun—a contagious energy that spread to the audience. This intergenerational participation is one of the great strengths of community theatre: it creates space for people of all ages to collaborate, learn, and perform together.

At times, the production faces challenges with some actors struggling with projection and articulation, making it difficult to catch every line. These moments affect the pacing and audience engagement. Staging Clue is no easy task. On stage, designers must suggest a sprawling mansion within the limitations of a single playing space. The Stage Door’s Clue: On Stage, directed and scenic designer  Josh Scott, does a standout job stage pictures, pacing, and comic timing for the show. The show is presented in the intimate proscenium theatre with a very small stage, limited depth, and almost no wing space. For a farce that relies on frantic entrances and exits, rolling bodies offstage, and the illusion of multiple sprawling rooms, the physical constraints could have been a major obstacle.

Instead, The Stage Door’s creative team turns those limitations into strengths. Modular set pieces, rolling doorways, and clever lighting shifts transform the compact stage into multiple locations. Projections, chandeliers, sconces, and elegant furniture add period flair, while stormy sound effects set the mood. The ingenuity on display ensures that the audience never feels confined, even in such a tight playing space.

Despite these acting and technical challenges, the heart of the show shines through. The cast’s commitment, the audience’s laughter, and the shared experience of live theatre all point to something essential: community theatre matters. It’s not just about putting on a play—it’s about building connection, encouraging creativity, and strengthening the cultural fabric of the city. It invites audiences to explore different perspectives, challenge assumptions, and engage with stories that reflect both local and universal themes. In Clue, the humor and mystery may be lighthearted, but the production still requires teamwork, problem-solving, and creative thinking—skills that benefit individuals and communities alike.