The Indiana Repertory Theatre has had a fabulous 50th season featuring incredible shows with talented casts. “Clue” is the final play to hit the IRT stage, and the cast and crew went all out, bringing this suspenseful, yet fun story to life. This adaptation is based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn, and written by Sandy Rustin. There is additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price.
If you need a little refresher, the cast of characters are invited to a dinner party by a mysterious host. It’s an evening full of blackmail, investigation, and murder. Throughout the play there a fun surprises that pay tribute to the 1985 movie version of the story that make this show even more special.
The room was full of laughter throughout the entire performance, audience members got into character, and it was a night to remember. Many of us have either seen the movie or played the game, but that didn’t stop us from seeing this classic board game play out in real life. It was lovely to see such a diverse audience having a great time. I can’t wait to see it again.
The chemistry between the actors was incredible and they played off of each other well. Our favorites, Mrs. Peacock, Colonel Mustard, Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, and Mr. Greene timed the jokes, nailed the witty lines, and had everyone wondering, whodunnit. Beyond the performances, the thought and detail that went into the production (set, costumes, lighting) is something to truly appreciate. Mavens, we’ve got some incredibly talented people in the performing arts world.
I’ve seen quite a few shows at the IRT, and I’m not sure I’ve ever laughed as much as I did with this play. You’ll find something to love and appreciate about each of the characters. Whether you are a regular theater-goer or looking to try something new, this is a show everyone will enjoy.
Join us on May 11th to experience this incredible production. Channel your inner Mrs. Peacock or Professor Plum and join the party. Get a group together and call the Ticket Office at (317) 635-5252 to book seats in the Indy Maven section. Mention code IMMAY11 to book $40 tickets for this event OR receive $15 off any ticket over $40 should you sit elsewhere in the audience for the performance.
Are you an Indy Maven member? (If not, here’s how you join.) If you are a member, in addition to the discount, you are invited to attend a free pre-show reception at 6 p.m. Enjoy drinks and appetizers while mixing and mingling with fellow Mavens, followed by a few words from IRT’s Managing Director Suzanne Sweeney and incoming Margot Lacy Eccles Artistic Director Benjamin Hanna about the behind-the-scenes making of the show.
“Clue” runs April 19 – May 20 (various times) and is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes long, including a 15-minute intermission. Tickets and performance schedule available at IRTlive.com. “Clue” is based on the Paramount movie (rated PG) and classic board game of the same name. It contains mild profanity and adult themes. Recommended for patrons 7th grade and above.
Interested in special programming? IRT offers three Talk Backs after performances on April 30, May 7, and May 11. An ASL/AD performance-for those patrons with vision and hearing needs-is scheduled for April 30. A sensory-friendly performance-designed to make the experience welcome for all, including patrons with autism and other sensory sensitivities-is scheduled for May 10. Finally, a Community Conversation entitled “Mayhem-Murder-Nostalgia,” is scheduled for April 29 following the 5:00 p.m. performance. Ebony Chappel, Kat Fitzpatrick, and Monica Carter will be in conversation with Lateva Woolfork exploring the challenges and opportunities of cross-media adaptation. How does Clue succeed in creating an alluring whodunit? The panel will investigate how fans engage with Clue as a piece of pop culture. They’ll also unpack how Clue’s setting in the 1950s intersects with issues of race, gender, and history and what this says about the relationship between nostalgia and cultural memory.
That’s a wrap on IRT’s 50th season, but that doesn’t mean the stage goes dark. In the summer IRT offers youth summer camps. And, the show must go on. Stay tuned for their upcoming 2023-2024 Season announcement… or just buy a season pass while it’s on your mind.
Jalysa King is Indy Maven’s Sales Maven as well as a freelance writer in Indianapolis who loves all things healthcare, education, and storytelling.
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