It’s no mystery that the two-night production of Communications High School’s fall play, “Clue: On Stage,” was a success. The 90-minute, cloak-and-dagger melodrama, based on the hit board game and 1985 film, kept the audience on the edge of their seats as the thrilling story unfolded at the fictional Boddy Manor.
The plot centered around six dinner party guests invited to a mansion by Mr. Boddy, a blackmailer with undisclosed motives. Hijinks ensue when Boddy is shot by an unknown assailant, leaving the group, alongside the house’s butler and maid, to identify the killer and clear their names.
Family, friends and classmates poured into the CHS cafeteria on Dec. 1 and 2 to see the so-funny-it’s scary show. Director Hannah Cohen of Sea Bright and producer Jordan Juliano of Long Branch, both seniors, assembled a murderers’ row of talents that, in just two nights, showcased their months of relentless work and dedication.
The show left a lasting impact on the audience, especially Spanish teacher Karen Britto-Davino.
“I laughed a lot more than I thought I would,” Britto-Davino said. “I guess the message is ‘nothing is ever as it seems.’”
As the play progressed, so too did the death count. By the end of the night, seven bodies hit the CHS stage. From the scandalous maid to the hilarious Singing Telegram Girl, no one was safe from the mysterious killer (…or killers).
Only during the final scene was the mastermind behind the evening exposed—the unsuspecting butler, Wadsworth, played by junior Phin Whedon of Wall. Whedon delivered the biggest twist of the night in his second-act monologue, revealing his true identity as mansion owner Mr. Boddy, masquerading as his own butler.
“Clue was absolutely my favorite thing at CHS that I’ve been part of to date,” Whedon said. “This is the first time I’d ever had a major role in a play, and I’m so glad I was given the opportunity to show off my abilities, and my British accent, of course.”
“Clue: On Stage” was a significant production, not only for the actors but the crew as well. Junior Christie DeNicola of Tinton Falls was a cast member in multiple Drama Club productions before this show but had never worked as a creative. Now, as the assistant director, she gets to shadow director Hannah Cohen of Sea Bright as she casts roles, blocks scenes and gives notes.
“I’ve always been in the cast and never got to be on the directing side and it was so fun seeing Hannah’s dream come to life,” DeNicola said. “I’m so grateful that I was able to be a helping hand throughout it all.”
“Clue: On Stage” has been found guilty of setting the bar high for the Drama Club’s next production in the spring. Audiences will soon discover whether the club moves to lighter fare or continues down this bloody path.
