MONROE — Monroe Theatre Guild will present its first full-length production of 2021, “Clue: On Stage”. Based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn, written by Sandy Rustin, additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price. The play is based on the 1985 Paramount Pictures film and the Hasbro board game CLUE, with original music by David Abinanti. Directing this madcap, whodunit comedy for MTG is first-time director Genevieve Kundert, assisted by Laurie Knoke.
“Clue: On Stage,” part of the Colony Brands performance series, is a funny, fast paced mystery thriller. Fourteen talented local actors portray the iconic characters of Mrs. Peacock, Wadsworth, Mrs. White, Professor Plum, Mr. Green, Colonel Mustard, Miss Scarlet, and an ensemble of more quirky characters. The story takes place in Boddy Manor, on a dark and stormy night. Six guests have been invited to a mysterious dinner party by an unknown host. Soon after arriving at the Manor they find their secretive host is dead. As the body count stacks up, they race to find the murderer. No one is above suspicion.
This show had a different beginning from previous MTG productions. In a COVID-19 wary world the MTG Board of Directors saw the need first for some significant changes to create a safe, healthy theatre experience. After developing a policy for safe practices during pandemic conditions and studying what was needed in the building to create a healthier space, they felt they were ready to move forward. From auditions to rehearsals, to building the set, all actors and volunteers have been faithfully observing recommended practices to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and ensure a successful outcome for the production. Audience members at live performances will be required to wear masks and a 25% seating capacity is being observed in the theatre to allow for physical distancing. To reach a larger audience, MTG is also streaming this production on demand with the popular streaming service Broadway on Demand.
A limited number of tickets for live performances of “Clue: On Stage” are on sale now. Performances on the Colony Brands Stage in the MTG theatre are at 7 p.m., March 19, 20, 26, 27 and 2 p.m., March 21 and 28. People who may not be ready to return to the theatre, or who may not secure a ticket for a live performance, can purchase a stream on demand performance recorded the first weekend. Stream on demand weekends are March 26-28 and April 1-3. When purchasing one of the three day bundled streaming weekends, audience members can watch the play at their leisure of any of the three days.
For more information or to purchase tickets see the MTG website, www.monroetheatre.com or call 608-325-1111. Walk up ticket sales are currently not available.
