REVIEW: Clue (Kennedy Center)

In a world of films, television, and radio plays being adapted for the stage, sometimes we need a new medium to approach. Such a contender is Clue, the whodunnit board game stocked in potentially every summer camp game room. Colorful characters, the potential for broad characterization, and a straightforward murder mystery could make for a classically thrilling affair. Somehow, the touring production at the Kennedy Center, doesn’t qualify, even when it has a pre-existing cinematic effort to take from.

Book

The adaptation is nowhere near as campy, or funny, as I remember the film to be. Instead, what’s put onstage is a shallow facsimile. Dialogue retreads itself: at one point, the butler recounts the entire play as if it didn’t all just unfold over an hourlong span (the whole thing is about 75 minutes). I would forgive this in a two-act production, or even a longer one-act, but the spoon-feedingness of what isn’t that complex of a thread felt diminishing to the audience. Each character, named after an element of the board games, are written with humor in mind to their archetypes but ultimately fail to grow beyond anything except innuendo ad nauseum, like potty humor pull-string toys. And all this just to have an unsplashy ending, save for a chuckle-worthy reveal in the final seconds. In a post-Knives Out world, the murder mystery genre has evolved to need stronger characters and focused endings to stand out. Clue provides neither. 0/10

Acting

The touring ensemble sure gives it a shot, but it’s disappointing to see them not stretch far beyond their timid book. As a result, not many standouts appear, save for the few times they don’t say something utterly predictable. 1/10

Production

Now, what I really loved about this production was its excellent rendition of the Clue aesthetic: think detailed libraries, Victorian windows, and bejeweled chandeliers. Additionally, I loved the flanking set pieces that would reveal new rooms like cabinet doors, it made the entire experience feel like a playset. Thank Lee Savage for that, and Ryan O’Gara’s projections and lighting designs as well. 7/10

Viz

I like the ethereal portrait of the mansion that greets the audience, especially as it reveals a more detailed set when it rises. But the black program with only text isn’t much to look at. 2/10

Verdict

With a severely updated book, the acting ranges are enhanced and the production can shine; but for now, Clue is a shell of the show it can be. 10/40