Chagrin Valley Little Theatre’s ‘CLUE’ is criminally funny

It is 1954 during the Eisenhower era and towards the end of the McCarthy “red scare” hearings. Six strangers have been summoned to the secluded Boddy mansion for a formal dinner party. Their one thing in common is that they are connected in some way with the government in Washington DC and all are being blackmailed.

Wadsworth (Vince Stillitano) the butler greets each guest upon arrival as the maid Yvette (Talia Eshenbaugh) serves them champagne. Each guest in turn receives a pseudonym as they enter the spacious entrance. In short order there is Colonel Mustard (Preston Postle), Mrs. White (Victoria Kirgesner-Hunsicker), Mrs. Peacock (Mia Radabaugh), Mr. Green (Daniel Hunsicker), Professor Plum (Brian Westerley) and Miss Scarlet (Kaity Poschner). Each has a deep secret that if revealed would destroy their careers. Even Wadsworth is being held against his will with his unseen wife also being blackmailed. The Cook (Lesley Geldart) rings the gong for dinner as they assemble in the dining room.

Following dinner each guest is given a “gift” wrapped in a black box. The contents are a set of weapons that include a candlestick, rope, lead pipe, wrench, revolver and dagger. What could possibly go wrong?

Mr. Boddy (Grant Orndorff) arrives and offers to erase their black mail debt to him if they simply kill Wadsworth. The lights go out, a gunshot is heard and when order is restored Boddy is found on the floor, seemingly dead. Thus the hilarious and mad cap comedy “Clue” (now on stage at Chagrin Valley Little Theatre) begins its farcical journey. The play is based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn written by Sandy Rustin with additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price. It is based on the Paramount Pictures Motion Picture of the same name which was based on the Hasbro board game CLUE. Original music is by Michael Holland.

As in all theatrical farces comedic timing is of the essence and CVLT’s cast is up to the challenge. All of the roles require a lot of high spirited running, shouting and screaming. The stage set itself is absolutely ingenious with large panels being opened to reveal entire rooms hidden behind. The biggest challenge from the cast (aside from all the running around) is delivering all of the gag lines, double entendre and vague references with a straight face. The high water mark is achieved with the arrival and dispatching of the singing telegram girl (Britany Bizub). Brilliant!

Vince Stillitano as Wadsworth (aka Mr. Boddy) has the comic chops for the roll in spades as he steers a complex story line to conclusion. Talia Eshenbaugh as the “French” maid Yvette is a gas as well. Kaity Poschner as the naughty Miss Scarlet gets off the best ribald lines. Mia Radabaugh as the suspicious “multi-widow” plays the role straight for a lot of laughs. Victoria Kirgesner-Hunsicker as the bubbly and bribe taking Mrs. White internalizes the role. Preston Postle as the slightly addled Colonel Mustard adds to the general hilarity. Brian Westerley as the accident prone Mr. Green holds his cards tight to his chest until the end. Lesley Geldart as The Cook adds her own bit of mischief. Lastly, Grant Orndorff as Mr. Boddy (aka Wadsworth) plays the smarmy role to perfection.

The ensuing ensemble of Casey McCann, Bradford Eason, Britany Bizub, Chris Herak, Buford T. Hedgehog and Chris Bizub play multiple roles to complete the farce. The fast paced show is brilliantly directed by Christopher Bizub with lighting design by Marcus Dana, scenic design by Daniel Hunsicker with properties by Tom Jones. Costumes are by Mayim Elyse.

If you are among the many cult followers of the film you will love the stage adaptation of this precious farce as they follow the story line quite closely. Those new to this production will enjoy the zaniness that is taken to the “emph” power. Farce at its finest, this is a killer show.

The Chagrin Valley Little Theatre production of “CLUE” will be on stage at 40 River Street, Chagrin Falls, Ohio through June 15, 2025. For more information and tickets go to http://www.cvlt.org or call (440) 247-8955.