Stage Right Presents: Clue On Stage!
I am 13 years old. I am sitting in a dark screening room at the Shamrock 6 movie theatre on South Main in Houston. It is 1985. I am watching Clue for probably the tenth time. I am in my happy place. This movie has remained one of my all-time favorites to this day. It has brought me laughter and inspired my acting and directing. The movie starred Tim Curry, Martin Mull, Madeline Kahn, Eileen Brennan, Colleen Camp, Michael McKean, Christopher Lloyd, and Leslie Anne Warren. What an incredible group of actors! You can’t get better than this movie!
I am now in total disbelief that I am directing this show on The Crighton Stage. Not only am I now the executive director of The Crighton Theatre, I am directing a stage version of my favorite movie, and my own son is playing Wadsworth! Seriously, I need to be pinched. It feels like a dream.
CLUE Onstage was adapted from the screenplay by Sandy Rustin. It follows the movie very closely complete with all of your favorite jokes and slapstick moments. If you are a fan of this movie, you should not miss this show! If you are unfamiliar with the movie, then it is imperative that you witness the comic glory of this play. I will not spoil any plot points in this article. You just have to see it!
I am excited to work with so many seasoned actors, who are so perfect for the roles that I cast them in. Dina and Shawn Havranek are taking on the roles of Mrs. Peacock and Professor Plum. They were last seen at The Crighton in Neil Simon’s The Dinner Party and Murder on The Orient Express. Timothy Eggert is an absolute delight as Colonel Mustard, as is Mandy Hall as Miss Scarlet. Sarah Wilkins as Mrs. White and Cameron Collier as Mr. Green hilariously round out our six Clue suspects. Ian Montez as Wadsworth is a joy to watch as he channels Tim Curry. He was most recently seen as Lancelot in Monty Python’s Spamalot and was in In The Heights, both with Stage Right. Hallie Teague beautifully tackles the role of Yvette with Chelsea Johnson as The Cook and John Barton as Mr. Boddy. John is also our brilliant set designer and builder. We are so lucky to have him! The Motorist is played by Carlos Soto and The Unexpected Cop is played by Bob Galley. Carlos and Bob are no strangers to The Crighton and so much fun to work with. Robert Bowlin is in the role of Chief of Police and Matthew Wehring and Joshua Darner are his backup cops. I also have a fantastic crew and Jennifer Bowlin as my assistant director. Jennifer will be making her directorial debut at The Crighton in December with Stage Right’s Christmas Belles! Another must see comedy not to be missed.
