Buoyed by a talented ensemble cast, Clue is the perfect comedy at the perfect time, allowing for a seventy-five-minute escape from the toxicity of the real world.
By John Lavitt
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 08-01-2024
There is no question that we live in a stressful age. From angry freeways and global warming to a toxic flow of negative news, there is much to worry about. God only knows we need a pleasant and fun escape now and then. Given this reality, as presented by the Center Theatre Group at the Ahmanson Theatre, Clue offers relief from the 21st century. Indeed, if you see one show this summer at the theatre, Clue is a choice that will bring smiles to everyone in the family.
After all, doesn’t the whole family love a little murder and blackmail? When six mysterious guests converge on Boddy Manor, many dastardly and dangerous courses are on the menu. Based on the fan-favorite 1985 Paramount Pictures movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro (once Parker Brothers) board game, Clue proves to be a madcap comedy that would make Buster Keaton or Charlie Chaplin proud. As directed by Casey Hushion, this night at the theatre has a dizzying energy that keeps the laughs and surprises coming a mile a minute.
With flexible and fun scenic design by Lee Savage, the comedy moves at a brisk pace through a mansion that feels both comical and real. You never know what’s behind the next door. As written by Sandy Rustin with additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price, the production transcends the Paramount Pictures movie while also doing justice to the original board game by Parker Brothers.
Ultimately, however, the tremendous success of Clue at the Ahmanson Theatre is the madcap marvel achieved by the ensemble cast. With dynamic energy and incredible balance, the cast keeps the astonishing pace of the production moving with precision and power. It is hard to point out any single performance because everyone is excellent. Indeed, the entire cast proudly supports and complements each other’s performances.
If there is one notable lead, it is Mark Price as Wadsworth, the mysterious butler at Boddy Manor. Price keeps the narrative moving forward as the center of the hurricane, the proverbial eye of the storm. Unlike the six guests and the confused mansion staff, Wadsworth is in on the joke, and his secret knowledge pushes the narrative forward at crucial moments. Moreover, although he seems the most serious of the bunch in the beginning, once the hijinks begin, he embraces the torrid physicality of the comedy.
Given the opportunity, please venture beyond your television and head to the Ahmanson Theatre to see Clue. You will not be disappointed. As a wonderfully tongue-in-cheek comedy with a lot of wink-wink to boot, Clue is a wonderful escape from today’s ugly reality.
