On April 25, 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m., at the Middleton High School (MHS) Performing Arts Center, the MHS Theatre Department kept audiences at the edge of their seats with their spring production of “Clue.” 

“Clue,” adapted from the classic board game of the same title, takes place in Boddy Manor where six guests are invited over for dinner. These guests include Colonel Mustard, a dense, pompous military man; Professor Plum, an academic; Mrs. White, an unfortunate woman who may or may not have murdered her late husband; Mr. Green, a timid yet authoritative rule follower; Miss Scarlet, a cynical woman who is enthralled by secrets; and Mrs. Peacock, the churchgoing wife of a senator. However, the night they are in for is not what they had expected. 

Their dinner host, Mr. Boddy himself, soon exposes each of their dastardly secrets for which they had been blackmailed. But when their host is found dead in the study, they must work with the staff of the mansion – which includes Wadsworth, a traditional butler and the driving force of the story alongside Yvette, the French maid with dreams of her own – to find out who the murderer is and who will be murdered next.

Despite its dark themes, comedy is still a key factor in “Clue.”

“Comedy lovers are definitely going to enjoy the show,” said Ben Freiberg (11) who played the lead role of Wadsworth. 

While working on the show, both actors and members of the crew were inspired by their experiences with the board game. 

“Clue is such a fun board game and made the production sound like a lot of fun,” said Corinne Chang (11), an assistant stage manager for the production.

Because of the combination of slapstick and subtle text-based humor, the show was very accessible to all audiences. The actors’ on-point expression and timing kept viewers attentive and laughing. 

“Anyone can enjoy the show, whether it be someone with little to no experience with theater or someone with all the experience in the world,” said Luke Latino (11), who played the role of Colonel Mustard. 

Before the show even began, actors and crew worked together to ensure it was an outstanding production. Some students described the intense task of navigating the impressive moving set. From the moving chandelier to the mobile walls, doors and shelves to form rooms and hallways, the set dazzled the audience.

“The set is truly a puzzle,” said Reese Johanningmeier (12), who played the captivating Mrs. Peacock in the production. 

High efforts were also put into the dazzling costumes. Actors and crew expressed their adoration for the costumes of their castmates, praising the costumes crew for their stellar job. Along with impressive acting, the costumes added a whole new layer to the show. 

“We need a certain aesthetic for the show,” said Keira Marckel (12), one of the production’s costume designers. As the story is set in the 1950s, significant research was done in order to place the characters’ costumes in that time period.

“Having a love for style and fashion is important when it comes to [a project] like this,” said Ari Marckel (10), another of the talented costume designers.

Costumes play a key part in helping the actors get to know their roles. “The costumes really make you feel like your character,” said Johanningmeier.

MHS Theatre’s ever-growing community enhanced the show preparation. 

“I love working with everyone here,” said Aadhi Balasubramanian (11), the production’s stage manager. “And it’s nice seeing the new freshmen integrate themselves into our community.” 

Balasubramanian’s role as stage manager was essential for the show to run smoothly, especially with a moving set. 

“I do have a lot of responsibilities which can be stressful, but my fellow cast and crew members respect and support me which makes it all the better,” they said.

After countless hours of auditions, rehearsals and planning, the show was ready to take the stage by storm. When the show began, audiences were immediately enthralled by the mystifying sound effects and music. The show was very witty and fast-paced, with jokes surfacing from the very start, filling the space with laughter and enjoyment.

The casting was brilliant, with actors perfectly encapsulating each aspect of their roles. No matter the line or the moment they were trying to portray, they executed flawlessly. 

“I love the dynamics of each character,” said Dina Abdel-Megid(9), who played a fun and convincing Yvette.

Overall, the production was astonishing. The moving set transitions ran smoothly, keeping audiences involved with the story. 

“I think people will like how extravagant the whole thing is,” said Lennon Maher (11), who played Miss Scarlet.

The production was directed and mentored by MHS English and theatre teacher, Katrina Brunner. An experienced and capable director, Brunner had a clear vision for the outcome of the production. 

“I want the audience to feel like they can easily respond to the show,” Brunner said.

Although “Clue” marks the end of the 2023-2024 MHS Theatre season, students will continue to take these productions to new heights in the coming years. MHS Theatre is a strong community of creative learners where artwork can come to life.