The Lancaster High School drama club will debut a new fall play based on the board game and 1980s movie, Clue. The story begins at a remote mansion, where six guests assemble for an unusual dinner party. Murder and blackmail are on the menu. When the host turns up dead, all of the guests become suspects. It’s a mystery of whodunit in which actors will try to solve the crime. The play will open for audiences on November 15. LHS students who are playing the lead characters include Noah Austin as Mr.Wadsworth, Calysta Stine as Yvette, Calea Hayes as Mrs. White, Austin Moore as Colonel Mustard, and Cian Bowers as Mr.Green.
LHS Drama Club director, Ryan Metzger said the play offers humor and mental chaos.
“There are definitely some crazy moments where the characters lose it. Our audience will love the use of our stage, and the madcap panic we get into,” he said.
“What sets this show apart from other shows LHS has done recently is its non-stop fast pace, large-scale set, and the fact that there’s no intermission. Once the show starts, it charges forward and doesn’t stop until we find out who the killer is…or do we?” said Metzger.
What are the actors excited about? Some of the actors said they are still honing their skills and are looking forward to seeing the production come together.
“The thing I’m most excited for the play would be the developing character dynamics. It’s still early on in production so the cast is still figuring out their character’s personalities. It’s going to be really fun growing as a team throughout these next couple months,” said Austin Moore.
“What I am most excited about for this play is to improve my acting,” said Calysta Stine.
“We have a very complicated set we’re building. There’s also the props and costumes which from what we’ve seen so far are going to be superb. Not to mention the amazing cast and the hard work we’re all putting in,” said Noah Austin.
“Clue is a show to look forward to. There are plenty of references to the board game throughout; the show is filled with nonstop humor, and it’s to put simply, a lot of fun,” said Cian Bowers.
The actors described the individual personalities and traits of the characters they are playing.
“Wadsworth is a prim and proper butler who works and lives in the Boddy manor. He is the main driving force of the plot for most of the story,” said Austin about his role.
“I’m playing one of the six main guests, Colonel Mustard. At first I wasn’t sure about the role, but as rehearsals have gone on I’ve understood Metzger’s intentions for me. I’d definitely say he’s one of the more humor centered characters, although everyone is to an extent in this show. Mustard is always clueless as to what’s going on, and it’s great,” said Moore about his character.
“I’m very excited about playing Mr. Green. He’s hilarious in the sense that people laugh at him rather than at his jokes, but he also has a lot of passion and tries to be helpful as best he can. Mr. Green is an awkward but honest fellow, he’s the last one picked in a dodge-ball game but the first person you’d trust with your car-keys,” said Bowers.
In keeping with the awards, Metzer said that key individuals are making the play happen.
“I couldn’t do Clue without the help of our Technical Director, Jarod Callander, who is a professional stage technician working all around Ohio. Also for this show, we have a Student Director, Aric Gee, who will be instrumental in taking the show to a different level. As always, our stage management staff, led by Sam Ramey, keeps everything running smoothly and helps keep me (and everyone else) sane,” said Metzger.
Bowers added that for those who love live theater with fun, mystery, and laughs this play will fit the bill.
“The audience will love it. Clue combines the slap-stick and fast-paced humor of a Marx Brothers movie while adding in the mystery of a Scooby Doo episode. If you’ve seen the movie or played the game, the show stays quite loyal to it, and if you haven’t, you’ll love it all the same,” said Bowers.
