On a dark and stormy night, six unique guests assemble for an unusual dinner party at the mansion of Mr. Boddy, who ends up murdered. Each of the guests has an alias, the butler offers a variety of weapons, and the host is, well, dead.
So whodunit?
Join the iconic oddballs known as Scarlet, Plum, White, Green, Peacock, and Mustard as they race to find the murderer in Boddy Manor before the body count stacks up. Based on the cult classic film and the popular board game, “Clue” is a madcap comedy that will keep you guessing until the final twist.
Performances are 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7; 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Grand River Ave.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors, available at the door, or by clicking here.
We spoke to some of the cast and crew.
Audry Vandellen
Age: 17
Parents Names: Paul and Kelly
Siblings: Brady and Miles
Year In School: Senior
Activities: ITS, Advanced Drama, NAHS
Hobbies: Drawing, Animation, Reading, Video Games, Comics
Future Plans: I hope to get into U of M STAMPS for animation and eventually begin working for an animation company.
How did you get involved with the production?
I was approached by Malo after doing lighting for “Chicago” and expressing interest in stage managing a show.
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
I participated in two camps at CTH, and participated in the Warning: “Looks May Kill,” blackbox as Officer Walsh, and “The Most Viewed Least Watched Talk Show In History” blackbox as Jess.
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
I enjoy participating in after-school activities in the Howell community, and I like meeting new people and making friends with people who are interested in theater.
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
I like watching everything come together in the end and knowing that I was involved in the making of something so good.
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
Audience members can expect to laugh! The show is really funny, with a lot of physical comedy along with the verbal jokes.
Adam Kelleher
Age: 17
Parents Names: Matt and Debra
Siblings: Mike, Ben
Year In School: Senior
Activities: theatre, band, choir
Hobbies: Music, reading, writing, exercise
Future Plans: College
How did you get involved with the production?
When I heard our play was “Clue,” I needed to audition. I love this show.
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
I’ve been a part of our student directed blackbox plays the past two years, and in our mainstage productions, besides being Wadsworth in “Clue,” I’ve played Cedric/Zac Smith in “Puffs,” and John Willoughby in “Sense and Sensibility.”
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
I love the laughs that everybody shares while we prepare this show. It’s super funny, and it’s amazing to see a movie I’ve always loved to watch come to life.
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
My Grandpa is my biggest inspiration when it comes to doing the things I love. He is a smart guy, and the most positive person I know. Everyday I try to reflect his optimism onto others and in the work that I do.
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
My favorite part of the experience of being in this production is just how much I am learning. What I’m learning about myself as an actor, and also about myself as a human.
Jeffrey Stimson
Age: 17
Parents Names: Jeff Stimson and Bernadette Hermann
Siblings: Kara Stimson
Year In School: Senior
Activities: Interact Club President, ITS President, Highlander Chorale, Calamity,
Marching Band, TIFTT (Wharton Center)
Hobbies: Singing, playing trumpet, video games, watching sports
Future Plans: Majoring in Musical Theatre or Acting
How did you get involved with the production?
I have done shows all four years at the high school, and I am the president of our ITS Troupe, so I was super excited to do “Clue”! I also didn’t want to look back with regret that I didn’t do my senior show.
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
“Mamma Mia”- Ensemble, “Lightning Thief”- Gabe, “Ten Ways to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse”- Sam, “The A.I Play”- Ryder, “Sense and Sensibility”- Sir John Middleton, “Chicago”- Shimmy, “Crazy for You”- Bobby Child
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
Being able to bring a character like Mr. Green to life on stage, especially with the stunts and comedic timing he showcases. I also like seeing connections between characters built throughout the show.
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
My inspirations are definitely my parents, they do everything they can to make sure I can do what I want, and that is super admirable. They also have always encouraged me and I strive to be like them in the future.
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
I love being able to work with my friends and use character building to further the story. I love being able to come to rehearsal everyday and learn something new.
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
A fast-paced, thrilling production that brings back memories of the board game and the movie!
Colin Putkela
Age: 17
Parents Names: Don and Angela
Siblings: Harrison and Evie
Year In School: Senior
Activities: Band and Theater
Hobbies: Drumming
Future Plans: Michigan State Drumline
How did you get involved with the production?
I have always loved theater and really wanted to be a part of this production.
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
I played J. Finch for “Puffs”, and played drumset in our student pit for “Chicago.”
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
The show is so funny and I love having such a comedic role. Every day rehearsal is so fun just getting to play Colonel Mustard.
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
I am really inspired by Dane Calnicean, a friend of mine who was also very involved in theater who graduated last year. He has always been such a powerful and positive influence and I strive to provide the mentorship and kindness he did to me to everyone else around me.
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
The people I get to work with are all so fun and it is really enjoyable getting to be a part of this amazing group.
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
They can expect to have an amazing time enjoying the amazing show we have worked hard to bring to the stage.
Ali Malloy
Age: 17
Parents Names: Erin & Jeffrie Malloy
Siblings: Crosby Malloy & Bennett Malloy
Year In School: Senior
Activities: ITS, Advanced, Acapella
Hobbies: Singing, Fashion, Dancing/Choreographing, Reading, Baking
Future Plans: Something within the arts 🙂
How did you get involved with the production?
I’ve done theater all of high school and was nervous to audition, but I wanted to finish off my senior year with no regrets.
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
I have! I’ve played Harriet Roeder in “Radium Girls,” ensemble in “Puffs,” Katie Gardener from “The Lightning Thief,” Tay in “A.I. Play,” and a Shimmy Swing in “Chicago.”
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
I really love the continuous movement of the production, there is never a dull moment, it constantly keeps you engaged in the story.
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
Lara from Katseye. She’s a natural-born powerhouse with insane star power. She’s fierce, loyal, and insanely creative. I love her drive and the energy she brings to a room.
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
The cast. It’s so nice to be in a cast where we can laugh and joke, it’s a really welcoming environment and we all have great chemistry and friendship.
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
An action-packed, hilarious thrill with amazing twists and turns.
Katelyn Clark
Parents Names: Yvonne Clark, Patrick Clark
Siblings: Liam Clark, Jillian Clark, Maribelle Clark
Year In School: Senior
Activities: ITS, Interact Club, Marching Band, Concert Band,
Hobbies: Crocheting, reading, scrapbooking, baking, jewelry making, hiking, fishing
Future Plans: Going into biochemistry, microbiology, or something related. I want to be a research scientist.
How did you get involved with the production?
I have been in the mainstage play since my freshman year, and I have had such an amazing experience each year. I wanted to finish my senior year off strong, so I auditioned for Clue!
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
Yes! I have been in “Radium Girl”s and the Reporter, “Mamma Mia” as ensemble, “Puffs” as Bippy, Ginny, and an ensemble member, “Sense and Sensibility” as Gossip 3, “I and You” as Caroline, a pit member for “Chicago” as the trombonist, and finally “Clue” as Mrs. Peacock.
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
I enjoy the community and share memories you make when being in a production.
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
My brother is a big inspiration because he is incredibly hard working, but always finds the time to be there for me.
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
My favorite part of a production is opening night, when I hear the first laugh from the crowd. It is incredibly rewarding.
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
They can expect plenty of laughs as they try to puzzle out “who-done-it.”
Delaney Cain
Parents Names: Lisa Cain
Siblings: Iain Cain
Year In School: Senior/12
Activities: Classicality (Captain!), Highlander Chorale, Advanced drama, Acapella.
Hobbies: Figure skating, singing, dancing, acting, being around horses and other animals.
Future Plans: Interior design or some sort of design!
How did you get involved with the production?
I knew I wanted to be in the show, because I love being involved in all things performing arts, so I auditioned. It ended up going very well!
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
Yes, I have! I only started theater last year, so my first show was stage managing a black box! My first role was Annie in “Chicago,” then Regina George in “Mean Girls JR,” and now Mrs. White in “Clue”!
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
I always look forward to rehearsals and just being with the cast. I have such a fun time every day, and I love how much effort goes into blocking this show!
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
My inspiration is my mom. My mom always has followed her dreams and never once believed she couldn’t do something. She puts her mind to something and always gets it done.
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
I just love the friendships and inside jokes you make during your rehearsal times, it truly is the best.
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
To the people coming to see “Clue,” I hope they are ready for a very funny show, and I hope everyone enjoys it!
