I was today’s years old in learning that the staged version of the cult classic 1985 movie Clue has only really been around for seven years or so as the ridiculously over the top film seemed like the perfect material to be adapted into stage well before that.

But the 2024 Equity national tour of Clue made a month-long stop at the Ahmanson Theatre for the final show in the 2023-24 season at the Center Theatre Group and I am so, so, so very glad to have watched this hilarity on loony wheels and will look forward to watching it again before they leave for their next stop.

If you know the movie, you know the plot for this play. But for those unfamiliar:

Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? Based on the fan-favorite 1985 Paramount Pictures movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist.

Directed by Casey Hushion, this rendition written by Sandy Rustin (with additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price) is an extraordinary adaptation that fully utilizes the original film source material’s wit and zaniness to its fullest degree, accompanied by the incredible design work by scenic designer Lee Savage, costume designer Jen Caprio, lighting designer Ryan O’Gara, sound designer Jeff Human. With some excellent fight direction by Robert Westley and organizing this madness altogether by production stage manager Margot Whitney, Clue excels thoroughly on sheer camp and goofiness. But the show is nothing without the ensemble cast and it is here that every single one of the cast members shine in all their various moments. Bravo to Mariah Burks, John Treacy Egan, Michelle Elaine, Joanna Glushak, Tari Kelly, Mark Price, John Shartzer, Jonathan Spivey, Alex Syiek, and Teddy Trice for an uproarious journey that looks as much as fun for the actors as it is for us audience members absolutely losing it in our seats.

I really don’t have any notes for this production as it is just that much of a good time. It’s such a silly, light-hearted laugh fest and at 75 minutes with no intermission, it’s a breeze to watch coupled with some truly astounding hysterical performances from the entire cast. My only critical thought applies not so much to this specific production or Center Theatre Group as they’re only just hosting the Los Angeles stop but that I would love to see a lot more diversity in the Clue cast. I can totally see a Asian Mr. Green, a Latina Mrs. Peacock, or a Black Wadsworth as his character is without the doubt the most memorable and dynamic centerpiece of the entire show. The show is that much of a delight and with so many extraordinary global majority talent in the United States, I hope to see a production of this hilarious play utilize such talent in a wider and more meaningful way.

That being said, with the three Black and only Global Majority performers in the cast, I commend Michelle Elaine, Mariah Burks, and Teddy Trice in making every one of their moments count as Miss Scarlet, the Cook, and the Cop respectively. I encourage everyone to support not only these fabulous actors but the entire cast & production as a whole because you will not regret injecting a bit of zany fun into your lives by doing so. This production will run until August 25th and you can buy tickets here or by calling 213.972.4400 for single ticket sales and 213.972.7231 for group ticket sales. Tickets start at $40.25 (all-in pricing including fees) but keep an eye out as Center Theatre Group will often do special discounts for certain days. The Ahmanson Theatre is located at 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles CA 90012.