EMA Review: Clue: On Stage ***** Delicious
Go Get a Clue
By Paul Atreides
Author, Playwright, and Theatre Critic at EatMoreArtVegas.compaul-atreides.com
Sometimes a production is so entertaining that, as a critic, you simply close your notepad, sit back, and enjoy. Such was the case last evening.
Las Vegas Little Theatre continues its 49th season with Clue: On Stage, written by Sandy Rustin, based on the 1985 film, Clue, which was written by Jonathan Lynn and itself based on the old table game.
If you’ve ever played the game, it’s all familiar: the names are there, and so are the weapons. If you’re a fan of the film, you will not be disappointed. Rustin faithfully sticks to the plot right to the very end. If you’re not familiar with the film, I will not give it away.
But it’s with Rustin’s wrap-up that the comedy really pours forth. And Director Walter Niejadlik deftly wrings every ounce of hilarity out of it by assembling an extremely able cast of eleven actors to pull it off. If you are a regular theatre-goer, you’ll recognize a few of the names, but there are some newcomers mixed in.
Michael Blair heads the list as the butler, Wadsworth. He’s joined by Lindsay Wray as Miss Scarlet, Gillen Brey as Mrs. Peacock, John Curt as Professor Plum, Anita Bean as Mrs. White, Trenton Klinkefus as Mr. Green, Carlton Kingsvine as Colonel Mustard, and Waverly Jade as Yvette. Adding to the fun and the mystery are Matt Antonizick, Jessica Rosado, and Ernest Medina.
The entire cast delivers excellent performances; the pace never falters, and there’s not a stumble to be seen. But Michael Blair’s frenetic performance is a wonder to watch as the mystery nears its end and the killers are revealed.
The set moves, turns, and slides to bring the fun into every room of the Washington, D.C. mansion, evoking the 1950s poshness one would expect. Emma Bennett, Michael Isselin, Amy Jones, Alisa Resnick, Cyn Novellano, and Addison Sorca make up the large stage crew and deserve serious kudos for managing to make all the changes smoothly. Ginny Adams’ lights bring the dark, stormy night to life, complete with flashes of lightning and power outages.
This is comedy and mystery, kneaded together, baked to its best, and an absolutely delightful evening of theatre.
What: Clue: On Stage
When: 7 p.m. Friday - Saturday
2 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays through November 1
Where: Las Vegas Little Theatre - Mainstage, 3920 Schiff Drive
Tickets: $20* - $38 (702-362-7996; www.lvlt.org)
*Students under 18 – Must call during Box Office hours
Grade: ***** Delicious
Producer: Las Vegas Little Theatre; Director: Walter Niejadlik; Lighting Design: Ginny Adams; Costume Design: Julie Horton; Scenic Painting: Ashley Flowers, Michael Isselin, Lindsay Martinez, Don Rudolph; Sound: Ernest Medina; Stage Manager: Cindy Lee Stock
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