“Clue: On Stage” follows the well-known board game suspects we’ve all come to love (or hate) as they wander around Boddy Manor. (SSG Angie O’Hearn)
Join Razz Ma Tazz Theatre, located inside the Ramstein Community Center, for a fast-paced comedic whodunit. Directed by Jessica Mills, “Clue: On Stage” follows the well-known board game suspects we’ve all come to love (or hate) as they wander around Boddy Manor. With suspenseful underscoring, well-placed sound effects and spot-on lighting, the production takes the audience on a non-stop tour from start to finish.
As the story unfolds, the suspects are confronted by an unexpected, mysterious host with an ulterior motive. While the suspense builds, the audience is transported from room to room, with victims dropping at every turn.
“Clue: On Stage” presents two separate casts—a mostly adult cast of 15 performers and an all-teen cast of 16. (SSG Angie O’Hearn)
The weapons are not only iconic in the Clue board game but also essential to the storytelling of this hour-and-a-half play. One by one, every possible murder weapon is examined—at least the weapons suggested by the game makers, the Parker Brothers. Attempting to dodge suspicion and deflect any wrongdoing, the usual suspects leave the audience wondering if it was the candlestick, wrench, pipe, rope, dagger or revolver.
Like a choreographed dance, the running crew seamlessly transports the audience from one room to another throughout the production. The two platforms, positioned on the left and right, serve either as a conservatory and library or a billiard room and dining room. Much like turning a page of a good mystery book, the crew transitions the main stage from a hallway to a kitchen, study, and lounge. The staging also incorporates the floor space, allowing the audience a more intimate view of the impressive acting, lively choreography and delightful costumes.
True to form, the classic Clue attire evokes nostalgia for days gone by. As one might expect, each board game character: Ms. Scarlet (Agena Christophersen/Pippa Holland), Mrs. White (Ciara Anderson/Mya Sheen), Mrs. Peacock (Danielle Ward/Zoe Rohrer), Professor Plum (Jessica Steele/TJ Quezada), Colonel Mustard (Retired Master Sergent John Fisher/Daniel Rose) and Mr. Green (C. Nara/Elijah Sheffield), dons a signature color, which coordinates with their respective character. Likewise, Wadsworth (James Lillibridge/Miles Vacco) and Yvette (Breonna Casey/Violet Pratt), along with a host of unexpected characters, wear costumes that reflect their roles and make them easy for audiences to pick out.
To solve the mystery, you’ll have to make your way over to the Razz Ma Tazz Theatre. (SSG Angie O’Hearn)
“Clue: On Stage” presents two separate casts—a mostly adult cast of 15 performers and an all-teen cast of 16. Both groups feature a mix of seasoned performers and theatre newcomers, who bring strong comedic timing and believability to each scene. Audience members may delight in the many one-liners sprinkled throughout the play, such as when Ms. Scarlet (Christophersen/Holland) exaggerates the line, “It’s what we call overkill,” while referring to an unfortunate victim. The high-energy play is filled with other surprises. During an unexpected dance break, for example, Mrs. White (Anderson/Sheen) and Wadsworth (Lillibridge/Vacco) dazzle the audience with a tango while Mr. Green (Nara/Sheffield) enthusiastically showcases the Charleston.
From a secret passage and wall safe to a chandelier and champagne, this whodunit delivers non-stop twists at every turn. Like the board game, “Clue: On Stage” keeps everyone guessing who did it, with what weapon, and where—at least until the over-the-top reveal. Rest assured, the secret is safe with this writer. To solve this mystery, you’ll have to make your way over to the Razz Ma Tazz Theatre and play detective for yourself. Catch the adult cast March 19-21 at 7 p.m. and the youth cast March 22 at 3 p.m.
Admission is $12 for youth, students and seniors, and $15 for adults. With tickets selling quickly, guests may want to grab their tickets in advance during regular business hours at the Ramstein Community Center desk in building 412. Subject to availability, same-day tickets may also be purchased, starting one hour prior to the scheduled performance. An assortment of snacks and beverages is available for sale. Please note: the seats are unassigned, so arrive early for more options. The seating area opens approximately 30 minutes before showtime. For more information, call 06371-47-6600.
Catch the adult cast March 19-21 at 7 p.m. and the youth cast March 22 at 3 p.m. (86 FSS Marketing.)
Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense.
