Follow the clues and find out whodunit with Amarillo Little Theatre's 'Clue'
Amarillo Little Theatre invites the community to find out whodunit in a night of murder, mystery and comedic mayhem with its third mainstage production of the season, "Clue." The production will be held Jan. 19 through Jan. 29 at the Allen Shankles Mainstage, located at 2019 Civic Circle.
Don't look away, and don't close your eyes — or you just might miss the twists and turns as the mystery unfolds. Based on the 1985 Paramount film inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, the story is set in 1984 on the outskirts of Washington, D.C. Six unique guests are invited to a dinner party at the home of Mr. Bobby, where murder and blackmail are on the menu. The butler, maid and cook keep everything in order throughout the ordeal, including supplying of the murder weapons as the guests race to find the murderer before they themselves fall victim to the plot.
"This is just such a silly, fun show about six strangers invited to a mansion, and they discover they have something in common aside from this mysterious night they are spending together. As those mysteries unravel, it causes major issues (with) others in the mansion. ... This show has mystery, action, comedy; it truly has something for everyone to enjoy," said Jackie Llewellyn, portraying Miss Scarlet.
This production includes familiar faces along with new ones, with cast members Justin Loe portraying Mr. Green; Jackie Llewellyn as Miss Scarlet; Rob Attaway as Colonel Mustard; Lynae Jacob as Mrs. Peacock; Nels Bjork portraying Professor Plum; Kristen Loyd as Mrs. White; Jeremy Hernandez portraying Butler Wadsworth; Kelbi Havins portraying Maid Yvette; Michael Newman as Mr. Boddy and the Chief of Police; Hunter Lee portraying the Cook and Singing Telegram Girl; Terri Wilson playing the Unexpected Cop; and Keegan Reid portraying the Motorist.
"I think this story has a very near and dear place in a lot of people's hearts, and for it to be unfolding right before their eyes, having these incredible sets and costumes, it is so spectacular. I hope people get to come and relax for a night and enjoy this world in the 1950s," said Hernandez, portraying the Butler.
Hernandez spoke about the film being a childhood favorite for both him and his brother, as well as the opportunity he now has to portray one of his favorite characters onstage.
"This was a movie that my older brother introduced me to. We bonded a lot through cinema, and I loved the story for so long. One of my favorite actors played Wadsworth, my character, and so to be able to kind of take inspiration from his portrayal and make it my own has been something. When I initially saw the cast and I saw my name next to Wadsworth, I was so emotional. I was crying; it was an amazing experience. And I think that shows just how much this resonates with me, and I think this production will be something that connects with the community in that way as well," Hernandez added.
The ALT production of "Clue" is led by Artistic Director Jason Crespin, with Assistant Director Ryce Garren and Production Assistant Christy Corder.
According to Crespin, ALT found that the community enjoys murder mysteries and Southern comedies the most, with "Steel Magnolias" holding the ALT title in their box office for greatest attendance, and last season's "Murder on the Orient Express" coming in as a close second. After creating a poll last season for possible production options, ALT was excited to see "Clue" as the number one voted option for ALT plays.
"We knew we wanted to have an iconic show to represent the iconic movie and case, and also the community seems so excited, so of course we pulled out all the stops with big sets, perfect props, which we were able to rent from the Dallas Theatre Center Production," Crespin said. "We have a huge, 4-foot chandelier hanging on stage, secret rooms and compartments that will be coming out through the production; everything that people are hoping for will be in this show for sure. ... Everyone is invited to get a 'Clue' and come figure out who did it, where they did it and what they did it with."
This production is PG 10+ due to adult themes suggesting violence, gunshots and murder. The production is a total of 90 minutes with no intermission. Student admission is buy two for the price of one, and the pre-production show Jan. 19 is also sold two tickets for the price of one. Admission can be purchased over the phone at 806-355-9991, at the box office located at 2019 Civic Circle, or online at https://amarillolittletheatre.org/ .
Showtimes:
7:30 p.m.: Jan. 19 and 26
8 p.m.: Jan. 20-21, 27 and 28
2:20 p.m.: Jan. 22 and 29
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Follow twists, turns in Amarillo Little Theatre's mystery 'Clue'
