Overview
Synopsis
The classic board game is brought to life in Clue: On Stage! Six guests are invited to a dinner party thrown by an anonymous host. They are given aliases--Colonel Mustard, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, Professor Plum, and Miss Scarlet. Though discouraged from revealing personal information, it is soon discovered that all of them have fallen victim to the same blackmailer, their very host of the evening. Each is presented with a weapon and an option: pay their extortionist double, or kill the innocent butler. What follows is a madcap, slapstick evening full of murder, mystery, and laughs as they seek to puzzle out the culprit amongst criminals.
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Context
Clue is adapted from the 1985 film of the same name. Written and directed by Jonathan Lynn, who collaborated with John Landis in creating a story around the popular Hasbro board game Cluedo (known as Clue in the United States). The comedy starred Martin Mull (Col. Mustard), Madeline Kahn (Mrs. White), Christopher Lloyd (Prof. Plum), Eileen Brennan (Mrs. White), Michael McKean (Mr. Green), Lesley Ann Warren (Miss Scarlet), and Tim Curry (Wadsworth). The film featured all the characters,
to read the context for Clue: On Stage and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
A dark and stormy night looms over a mysterious Gothic-style mansion. Three figures creep into a dark room: the butler, Wadsworth; the maid, Yvette; and the Cook. Yvette switches on the light switch and all three, startled upon seeing the others, scream in fright. Recollecting himself, Wadsworth asks the two women if everything is ready for the night, which they affirm. Cook asks if he wants her to feed the dogs, but he explains that he wants them to be hungry. The two women depart. Wadsworth,
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Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in Clue: On Stage.
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Scenes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
THEMES
Satire of McCarthyism and Political Hypocrisy
Set in 1954 at the peak of the Red Scare, Clue: On Stage sharply satirizes McCarthyism and conservative hypocrisy through the guests' blackmail-worthy secrets, many tied to political scandals, unfounded accusations of communism, and government corruption. The iconic line "Communism was just a red herring" serves as a punchline that exposes how societal fears of subversion are manipulated for personal gain, mirroring the era's
to read about the themes, symbols and motifs from Clue: On Stage and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Key Terms
An adaptation is a reworking of a story from one medium or cultural context into another, such as turning a novel into a play or updating a classic play’s setting. Adaptations often reinterpret themes, characters, and style for new audiences. They can range from faithful recreations to bold reimaginings.
Farce is a comedic style that emphasizes exaggerated situations, improbable coincidences, mistaken identities, and rapid pacing. It often includes physical humor such as slamming doors, frantic chases, or characters hiding in plain sight. Farce is designed to generate nonstop laughter, often prioritizing chaos and absurdity over realistic storytelling.
The imaginary wall separating the audience from the actors onstage, often 'broken' for direct address. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
A literary and dramatic style emphasizing horror, emotion, and the supernatural. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
Satire is a dramatic style that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize human behavior, social institutions, or political systems. In theatre, it highlights flaws and hypocrisies through wit and parody, encouraging audiences to laugh while also reflecting on serious issues. Satire can range from lighthearted comedy to biting social commentary, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Slapstick is a type of physical comedy that relies on exaggerated actions, pratfalls, and humorous accidents to provoke laughter. It often includes broad movements, funny sound effects, and comic violence, such as someone slipping on a banana peel or being hit with a harmless object. The style originated in commedia dell’arte and became popular in vaudeville, silent film, and stage comedy.
A mystery plot where the audience follows clues to identify the perpetrator, often used in suspenseful or comedic theatre.
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