URI Theatre opens its doors for new play, “Clue: On Stage” PHOTO CREDIT: Contributed by: Jesse Dufault
There’s been a murder on the University of Rhode Island campus, well that is on stage at the Robert E. Will Theatre.
URI Theatre opens their production of “Clue: On Stage” tonight, a play based on the famous Hasbro board game and the 1985 cult classic film it inspired. The play will run performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m. through Dec. 12.
In this comedic murder mystery with an eclestic cast of characters, six guests are invited to a peculiar dinner party at a mansion. Soon enough, chaos erupts and the host, Mr. Boddy, is found dead. The show is full of surprises which will leave the audience wondering who the real killer is. The cast of suspects features the well-known characters from the game––Mrs. Peacock, Mrs. White, Professor Plum, Mr. Green, Miss Scarlet and Colonel Mustard––as well as a few new ones, such as the butler Wadsworth and the maid Yvette.
“It’s a story with a lot of twists and turns and stuff that you are not expecting,” sophomore Liam Roberts said. “It’s one hell of a ride.”
Roberts will be playing the role of Wadsworth, who he described as a host of sorts.
“He’s not only hosting the guests, he’s hosting the audience as well,” Roberts said.
The 1985 film became known for its black humor, and the play has embodied that style as well.
“I would say every line is a joke and you have to really pay attention to catch them all because everything is so beautifully written,” Sydney Davey, a junior who will be playing Miss Scarlet said.
The actors will not have to wear masks while on stage, which the performers said will create an even better relationship between the audience and the cast.
“This is a hysterical show and I think it’s something that the audience are really going to enjoy,” Roberts added.
One of the highlights of working on the show for both cast members was working with director Don Mays.
Mays is an experienced actor, writer, filmmaker and director who worked with URI for his first time in directing this production.
“He does a lot of [acting] exercises, he really wants us to get into our bodies to embody these characters,” Davey said.
According to Roberts, he has a very “hands on and personable approach.”
With a cast of 13, everyone was able to get a lot closer both as themselves and as their characters.
“We’ve really come together as a group and I’m honored to get to share the stage with them,” Roberts said.
This closeness has fed into the dynamics between the characters and their banter. Davey said that this makes the interactions between the characters and their little snide remarks “so funny.”
Head to the Robert E. Will Theatre to see the show live, find out whodunit and feel as though you’re a part of this classic murder mystery. To purchase tickets, visit URI Theatre’s website or the Box Office located in the Fine Arts Center.