“Clue” or Clueless? A Board Game Turned Musical

By Micah Bessette

Published November 12, 2025

Your favorite whodunnit game, but as a musical? Featuring all your favorite color-coordinated characters, this cunning show will task you with figuring out a murder, and it really could be anyone. From Nov. 13 through 15, Plymouth State’s Silver Center for the Arts is putting on “Clue, the Musical” in the Elizabeth Cheney Studio Theatre.

Featuring a beautiful set, bright costumes, and exciting music, this show encourages participation from the audience. At the beginning of the musical, several audience members are tasked with choosing cards that determine the murderer, weapon, and location, just like in the game. Throughout the show, the audience can follow clues and mark their programs to determine the true criminal. “It’s a little bit of a game for the audience every single time,” said Rachael Endrizzi, the show’s director. 

This show is super unique, and watching through it I was both intrigued and bored. While I thought the audience participation was really fun, some of it seemed unnecessary and broke my suspension of disbelief. It was only 20 minutes into the show when I thought the fourth wall breaks lost their charm. I thought some of the fourth wall breaks gave the performance the feel of an improv show, rather than a musical. I do think the arena style of the Elizabeth Cheney Theatre suited the show very well, and it allowed all the elements to come together really nicely. 

The actors and everyone who worked on the show did an amazing job, but I just wasn’t a big fan of the musical itself. Jack Downey, as Mr. Boddy, showcased some impressive vocals and carried himself with confidence to fit the role of the narrator. Avery Fecteau played a very effective Detective, tying the show together and adding contrast to the other characters. I also loved Noah Alers-Alers’ stage presence as Colonel Mustard, using the set intentionally and commanding the audience with confident singing. I was also quite impressed with Dillon Lorden’s intricate set design, using the small space effectively and incorporating the talented pit orchestra into the set. 

According to Nate LaPort, who played Professor Plum, the cast also added some of their own modern jokes and bits throughout that you can look for. Unfortunately, “a couple 67 jokes may or may not have made it in, because it’s inevitable,” he said. 

Though I loved the production and acting, I don’t see the appeal in “Clue, the Musical” as a show. It mimicked the board game almost exactly, so it felt very turn based – one or two actors would go out and get into a situation that would make them seem guilty, and then rinse and repeat. I think I got bored because I could understand exactly what would happen from the beginning, even if I didn’t know who was guilty. There were also a few times on stage where I noticed actors didn’t seem fully comfortable with each other, and that dampened my suspension of disbelief. 

The cast and crew have, however, put an incredible amount of work into this show, and it wasn’t for nothing. “The cast really came prepared, so it kind of made our jobs a lot easier,” said Lauren Christopher, the show’s assistant director. 

The cast was prepared, but the production didn’t come without bumps. According to assistant stage manager Liam Leavitt, several cast members lost rehearsals due to sickness just a few weeks prior to opening.  

While “Clue, the Musical,” wasn’t my style, you won’t want to miss the impressive performance put on by the cast and crew. Make sure to get your tickets to the show this weekend only!