Theater Review: "Clue: Live on Stage" at Broadway in Chicago

Six actors stand on stage in a line on one side of a closed wooden door, five of them are crouched close together with their ears pressed against glasses, trying to hear a conversation inside the closed door. The other actor is standing facing away from the rest, his glass pressed to his own ear, but the other end is connected to nothing.

Broadway In Chicago’s “Clue”/Photo: Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

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Board games have been popular throughout history dating back to ancient times. They are mentioned in “The Iliad,” portrayed in cave and tomb paintings and found intact in Mesopotamian and Egyptian tombs. Even Tutankhamen had one buried with him, Senet, which is still played today.

Thus it is surprising that “Clue,” or “Cluedo” as it was originally called, has a much more recent history of just over seventy-five years. Devised in England as a diversion during World War II air raids, it became all the rage when marketed in the U.K. and the States in 1949.

Unlike “Clue: The Musical,” written in 1993, which some—including admittedly this clueless critic—might be expecting to see given that Broadway In Chicago’s signature genre is musicals, this is a non-singing “Clue: On Stage.” For this new, believe it or not, national tour incarnation based on the 1985 film, the show has been redubbed “Clue: Live On Stage.” There are canned “original music” interludes by Michael Holland and punctuated claps of thunder.

The principal novelty of the musical version is that aside from each character offering its clues in song, audience members actually draw cards that determine which character, in what room and with what weapon, has committed the murder. The conclusion of each performance is thus always a mystery.

Two actors crouch in a standoff on stage, a long green hallway wall with a vintage portrait in between them

Broadway In Chicago’s “Clue,” with Tari Kelly and Mark Price/Photo: Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

There are no mysteries here, but there are thrills and laughs inside of a spectacular creepy and creaky Tudor mansion set by Lee Savage, complete with moving walls, rooms, furnishings and corpses that come and go.

The star of “Clue: Live On Stage” is a tight ensemble cast that is called upon to deliver lines of dark comedy with utmost seriousness without becoming sheer silliness. Additionally, their bodily antics and dexterity in being placed in the most unlikely and absurd spatial predicaments make the comedy as physical as it is cerebral.

Broadway In Chicago’s “Clue: Live on Stage” is through March 2 at CIBC Theatre, 18 West Monroe. Showtimes are: Tuesday, February 25, 7pm; Wednesday, February 26, 1pm and 7pm; Thursday, February 27, 7pm; Friday, February 28, 7:30pm; Saturday, March 1, 2pm and 7:30pm; and Sunday, March 2, 1pm. Tickets start at $55, available at broadwayinchicago.com.