Looking for an enthralling yet hilarious night at the theatre? Come see Harriton Theater Company’s Clue from November 20th to 22nd. The show will have you gasping in shock one second, then gasping through laughter the next. It is a classic “whodunit” that evokes feelings of nostalgia. Based on the cult-classic 1985 film and beloved board game, the murder mystery draws the audience in with its suspense, and the over-the-top comedy makes the show even more entertaining. The hard work and comradery of the company makes the show shine, and brings the story to life on stage.
On a dark and stormy night, six colorful guests are invited to a dinner party that quickly goes dangerously awry. Bodies begin to drop and the eccentric characters are thrown into chaos. Each guest tries to prove their innocence and ridiculous hijinks ensue. Secrets bubble to the surface. Masks threaten to fall. The show leaves the audience guessing until the very last second. Fast-paced and witty, Clue features shocking twists that will leave your mouth hanging open.
I sat in on a rehearsal and was provided a ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at this upcoming performance. I interviewed HTC’s student director Delaney Free to get more insight on the production.
Why did you choose Clue as the fall play?
“We really wanted to do something fun for our senior year. And you know, what’s better than a murder mystery? I thought it was something that we would be able to have a lot of fun with, [because] it’s something that has a lot of recognition. It’s a play that a lot of people like. I think I wanted to do something that would be fun for both actors and the audience.”
How has the rehearsal process and working with other departments been going?
“Department wise, it’s not as hard as another show, because a lot of people know what Clue is. It’s based off of the board game,so there’s a general aesthetic that the departments can follow, and that’s worked out really well for us. For rehearsals, they’ve been super fun because it’s a lot of drama. It’s a lot of excitement—there’s killing and murder. We’re practicing carrying bodies, or living bodies should I say. But that’s been a super fun process. It’s been fun to see the actors try out different things, and really make character decisions and choices.”
Why should people come to see Clue?
“You can really help the Harriton art community. It’s something that we work hard on. It’s something that we pride ourselves in because so many people have worked on this performance outside of the actors. We have a props department, stage crew, costumes department, and so much more that has gone into this. It’s just a really rewarding thing for all the people that have worked on this, and it feels nice to be supporting this kind of work that students do.”
It became apparent to me that a lot of heart has gone into this production. As I watched the actors rehearse their scenes, I could tell that they were having a blast. They try to hold in their laughter while they focus on portraying the play’s brilliant comedy. They joke around together, all while sporting humorous accents. They bring their characters to life with enthusiasm. The cast has an electric energy. You can feel their glee when they perform, and it creates a fun atmosphere for the audience. I found myself laughing right along with the actors.
I interviewed the cast and student department heads. I tried to deduce what makes Harriton’s production of Clue stand out, and the overall consensus was the community behind it. It is a fun and welcoming environment. Each and every person involved cares deeply about the show. Every department has put in incredible effort to bring the play to life. I can’t wait to see their hard work come together on opening night. I look forward to laughing along with the audience as we try to discover ‘who did it?’. Make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to see HTC’s Clue from November 20th to the 22nd!