DIRECTOR'S NOTES

By Joshua Bainbridge

It's the 1950s, during the depths Joseph McCarthy's anti-communist witch hunt and the House Un-American Committee is raging out of control. A simple set-up. The classic suspects; Col. Mustard, Miss Scarlett, Mrs. Peacock, Mrs. White, Professor Plum and Mr. Green have all gathered in a vast mansion; none aware the others will be present. This backstory fitting of an Agatha Christie mystery is instead the backdrop to Jonathan Lynn's witty, kookie, prat-fall filled stage play. Clue is a comedy of infectious energy and the absolute right choice for this springs Theatre Canadore production. I mean... couldn't we all use a laugh right now?

I think it is important every few years to present something truly silly. When Michelle Jackett brought Clue to the table, I jumped at the opportunity to enjoy a season of silly. Afterall, that is what we love about the theatre. It can offer what you need in the moment. With all the chaos and uncertainty around us, silly is on the menu.  Clue allows us a laugh at human-terror.  We come face-to-face with our capacity for paranoia, self-hatred, and deceit. As we watch this little cluster of terrified humans, as they scurry and hide and betray each other, we know, we can laugh, we must laugh, we have to laugh. Because it's okay here. In the dark of the theatre surrounded by our loved ones, it's an escape. In here...it's just a game. 

Clue Synopsis

On Stage is a play based on the classic board game Clue. The play follows six guests who are invited to a dinner party thrown by an anonymous host. They are given aliases--Colonel Mustard, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, Professor Plum, and Miss Scarlet. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects.  Now they must solve the mystery of who killed Mr. Boddy, in what room, and with what weapon.