Don’t Miss Engeman Theater’s Wacky Whodunit

Engeman Theater’s latest production, “Clue,” is a madcap show chockful of mayhem, murder, and madness. Inspired by the iconic Hasbro board game and based on Jonathan Lynn’s star-studded 1985 Paramount movie, Sandy Rustin’s well-crafted play adaptation features additional material by Eric Price and Hunter Foster.

Set in the terrifying blacklisting era of McCarthyism, this farcical murder mystery takes place (of course!) on a dark and stormy night. The plot is simple: six blackmailed people receive a threatening invite to a dinner party at the secluded Boddy Manor. When the host turns up dead, they all become suspects. This 90-minute, one-act slapstick-style whodunit calls for a top-notch ensemble with strong physical comedy skills and boundless energy. The phenomenal cast in this rock-solid production did not disappoint!

Kyle Dixon’s innovative and visually stunning set, filled with secret chambers, augmented the dizzying onstage antics. The audience roared with laughter as the frantic suspects raced at the speed of light through the Hall, Kitchen, Ballroom, Billiard Room, Library, Study, Lounge, Conservatory, and Dining Room. The murder weapons we all know from the board game: a revolver, lead pipe, wrench, candlestick, dagger, and rope play a prominent role in the show.

Michael Keyloun aced the role of Wadsworth, the traditionally proper British butler. Toward the end of Act II, in a nod to one of Neil Simon’s comedic writing techniques, Keyloun delighted the audience with a convoluted monologue summarizing the insanity that ensued.

Thursday Farrar delivered an award-worthy performance as Mrs. Peacock, the high-strung, closet-drinking senator’s wife. Lauren Weinberg was captivating as Miss Scarlet, a high-class Washington, D.C. call girl. Christina Decicco, with her commanding stage presence, was believable as Mrs. White, a widow who may or may not have murdered a few of her husbands.

Ken King wowed the audience with his charismatic depiction of the handsy academic Professor Plum. Danny Rothman’s spot-on portrayal of the pompous, bumbling idiot Colonel Mustard garnered some of the biggest laughs of the evening. A versatile actor, Patrick Harvey delivered an award-worthy performance as Mr. Green, the anxious and timid klutz with tricks up his sleeve.

An audience favorite was Arianne Davidow as Yvette, the sexy French maid. Cody Gerszewski, Jeremy McClelland, and Suzanne Mason doubled up to portray several diverse roles, including a cook, cops, Mr. Boddy, a Singing Telegram Girl, and a motorist. These talented actors delivered standout performances throughout! The swings are Ashley Margaret Morton and Dustin Harris Smith.

Under Marc Tuminelli’s skillful direction, the entire ensemble delivered killer performances. The behind-the-scenes magic, John Burkland’s awe-inspiring lighting design, Dustin Cross’s colorful ’50s costumes, and Laura Shubert’s artful sound design brought this beloved board game to life.

Filled with hijinks, histrionics, and humor, culminating with one hell of a wacky ending, you don’t want to miss this stellar production! “Clue” runs through October 27, 2024. Purchase tickets by calling 631-261-2900, going online at www.engemantheater.com, or visiting the Engeman Theater Box Office at 250 Main Street, Northport.

By Cindi Sansone-Braff