Whodunit? It was the Riordan Drama Department in Linland Theater! The classic murder mystery story and comedy Clue was adapted for this year’s fall play, running from Nov. 16 to 18.
When choosing this year’s fall play, director Greg Callaghan said, “One of my goals is to give our students involved in Riordan drama as well as the audiences a variety of different shows. Last year we did kind of a contemporary drama and I wanted to do something different like a comedy this year. Clue is one of my favorite movies and so I was really drawn to it.”
Set in 1954 New England, the story surrounds six blackmail victims who are brought to a secluded mansion by the very man carrying their dark secrets.After handing each of them a murder weapon, the lights go out and he is mysteriously murdered, leaving the six strangers to uncover the murder mystery and the other murders committed as the evening progresses.
As the house opens, the audience is buzzing with excitement. The 1950s jazz music sets the mood, the crowd settles in, the lights dim, and the show begins. The spotlights illuminate the vibrant and majestic sets that tower in Linland theater.
While it was challenging to adapt to the multiple locations in the mansion that the story is set in, “I think that one of the biggest ways we adjusted to it, especially with working with the set pieces and stuff, it really brings the whole show to life […],” remarked Daniel Barrett ’24 who portrayed Mr. Green. “[…] The set pieces, the way it was designed, is just brilliant.”
Marina Viray ’24, who played Miss Scarlet, said that they wanted to bring a new perspective to this timeless story by “how funny we make it and the fun we have in the cast, and that fun energy really brings out in the way that we perform.”
The cast includes a mix of newcomers to drama along with seasoned veterans like Viray and Barrett who have been performing in Riordan drama productions since their freshmen year. Their experience and ability particularly shines on stage in each of their performances.
Aiden Jantz ’24 gave another stand-out performance, excellently portraying the lead role, Wadsworth, by bringing the same chaotic yet comedic energy from the character in the 1985 film to the stage.
Jantz remarked, “You wouldn’t expect a high school play to make you bent double with laughter, but the entire cast was excellent at being really, really funny.”
It’s evident that the cast and crew worked tirelessly together to create a cohesive and very funny fall play. The cast dynamic translated brilliantly into their acting to create a funny and lighthearted but also mysterious and intriguing play. The sets and lighting allowed for seamless transitions and storytelling and added a unique touch. All in all, the fall play is most certainly a must-see.
The drama department is now preparing for the spring musical: The Sound of Music.
