It was a dark and stormy night at the Kennedy Center for the national tour of Clue. My family and I have watched the film countless times and we were eagerly waiting for the curtain to rise in the Opera House. Clue is a triumphant tribute to its source material, touching on classic beats but with added physicality and hijinx. Familiarity with the 1985 Paramount film will not detract from the experience — it will enhance it. The show opens on a dark and stormy night at Boddy Manor. The year is 1954, and McCarthy’s Red Scare looms in everyone’s minds. Yvette the maid, played by Elizabeth Yancey, is preparing the manor for the special guests when she is joined by Wadsworth the butler, played by Mark Price, and the Cook, played by Mariah Burks. The Company of the North American tour of ‘Clue.’ Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade. As guests enter one by one, each performer fully embodies their unique persona, soliciting reactions even before their first words. The first to arrive is Colonel Mustard, played by John Treacy Egan. Egan towers over the other guests with bumbling buffoonery while maintaining a firm but vacant disposition. I enjoyed his quick and confusing responses to the typically banal banter one hears at a dinner party with strangers. Mrs. Peacock is perfectly portrayed by Joanna Glushak. She is the first character to establish ties to Washington, DC, a connection that the local audience gleefully applauds. The iconic soup moment is a favorite among Clue fans and Glushak puts her own stamp on the memorable monologue. Tari Kelly as Mrs. White is simultaneously tightly wound and physically expressive. Director Casey Hushion incorporates wonderful choreography in several key scenes, most memorably between Kelly and Price as Mrs. White and Wadsworth. John Shartzer as Mr. Green first appears as an accident-prone wall flower, clumsily making his way through the manor. But keep an eye on him — his flexibility truly shines in the second half of the story. The final two guests are Professor Plum and Miss Scarlet, played by Jonathan Spivey and Christina Anthony respectively. The mysterious Mr. Boddy, played by Alex Syiek, soon appears to inform the guests of the game that is set up for their evening together. Price is spectacular as Wadsworth. His impressive physicality is matched only by his comedic timing, especially in the recap monologue that serves as an 11 o’clock number of sorts. His theater and dance background is apparent as he takes each moment, no matter how small or large, and captivates the audience’s attention. The Company of the North American tour of ‘Clue.’ Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade. The key to the production’s success is its ability to play on the memorable characters while adding additional unexpected dialogue and wonderful physical comedy. The original screenplay by Jonathan Lynn and book by Sandy Rustin are adapted by Hunter Foster, perhaps best known to readers for his Tony-nominated performances in Little Shop of Horrors and Urinetown. Foster understands the camp and quirk needed for a live adaptation of the beloved film, and he provides a wealth of opportunities for the performers. The impeccable timing and execution required to produce the story is a testament to the technical team, led by Production Stage Manager Margot Whitney. The scenic design by Lee Savage is integral to the successful pacing. The rooms reveal themselves like the folds of a board game. Lighting and sound design by Ryan O’Gara and Jeff Human respectively are an important element for the plot as the characters experience intermittent blackouts and thunderous weather. The show is family-friendly for older children, in that the humor and hijinks revolve around wordplay and physical comedy with occasional crude language and sexual innuendos. I brought my family including my 12- and 10-year-olds, and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. Seat selection can also play a role in one’s experience. Among my family, two of us sat in the orchestra and the two sat in the mezzanine. If you enjoy having an up-close vantage point, the orchestra seats in the center section will give you the best views. If you prefer to see the entire width of the stage and watch the choreography from above, the balcony and mezzanine seats will be an ideal location. Seat cushions are also available for those who need vertical assistance. With the quick pacing and dynamic blocking, any obstructed interaction is still clearly heard and enjoyable. Clue is a masterclass in murder mystery and physical comedy. Whether you’re familiar with the original source material or entering the theater as a newcomer, you’re in for a killer night of mayhem and misdirection. Running Time: 90 minutes, no intermission. Clue plays through October, 2024, in the Opera House at the Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC. Tickets ($29–$179) can be purchased at the box office, online, or or by calling (202) 467-4600 or toll-free at (800) 444-1324. Box office hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 am-9 pm, and Sunday 12pm-9 pm. The program for Clue is online here. The national tour page for Clue is here. COVID Safety: Masks are optional in all Kennedy Center spaces for visitors and staff. If you prefer to wear a mask, you are welcome to do so. See Kennedy Center’s complete COVID Safety Plan here.