The Upper Merion Area High School’s very own Underground Players soar to new heights as they take on the beloved whodunit classic for their fall production. Derived from the classic Hasbro board game and inspired by the iconic 1985 film, Clue tells the story of a group of six idiosyncratic characters wrapped up in a classic murder mystery. Chosen by reasons unbeknownst to them, the colorful guests are summoned to the sequestered Boddy Mansion for a dinner party organized by Wadsworth, the clever butler. When Mr. Boddy finally arrives, he reveals the reasoning behind their invitations: each guest possesses a culpable secret that he plans to use as blackmail for a favor in return. All hell finally breaks loose, as the electricity mysteriously goes out and the first murder takes place. The once strange dinner party quickly unfolds into a night of death, deception, and plot twists as the guests try to unravel the mystery and solve the case of who? what? and where?
Judging by the audience’s rapturous laughter and thunderous applause, it is safe to say that opening night was met with tremendous success. The lighting motif was rendered to amplify the growing tension of each scene in a smooth, tasteful manner with captivating visuals and the use of vibrant color to represent each iconic character. The lighting was accompanied by clear sound effects, played right on cue, mirroring every movement on stage. Finally, both lighting and sound harmonized under the practical, spectacular and stunning set design. Upon seeing the set on stage, there is no doubt that every involute feature had been designed for the convenience of the ensemble while still providing an absolute delight for the audience. Ultimately, the crew’s efforts remained consistent throughout the entirety of the play, from the vivid lighting, to the dynamic soundscape, to the intricate set design, making every experience sincerely memorable.
The crew’s methodical, striking work was brought to life by our astounding actors. Weston Potten commands the stage with his eccentric portrayal of Wadsworth, instantly capturing the attention of the entire theater with his bright personality and undying humor. Daisy Huller stuns the audience with her seductive magnetism as the ravishing Ms. Scarlet, combining her undeniable charisma with an irresistible charm. AJ Boyle absolutely dazzles us with his role as the hypervigilant and clumsy germaphobe Mr.Green. Finn Pryor provides a notable performance as the intelligent yet slimy casanova, Professor Plum, who exudes an unfaltering wittiness. Ann Picariello is absolutely spellbinding in her impassioned portrayal of the quirky, lively Mrs. Peacock with her hysterical shenanigans and crowd-piercing screams. Lia McLallen takes on the role of the snappy socialite, Mrs. White, humoring the audience with her on-the-spot sassiness. DJ Myers doesn’t disappoint in his debut with the Underground Players, perfectly embodying the hard-headed, yet often comically clueless essence of Colonel Mustard. Grace Dean nails the role of French maid Yvette with an excellent accent and Salma Elgedawy, who plays the comic relief character Cook, perfects their timing with dubious looks. Addison Varga leaves an unforgettable mark as Mr. Boddy, despite the character’s limited stagetime in the play. Finally, Emily Bowers, Salma Elgedawy, and Mariah McCollum don’t let the restraints of a small ensemble roll prevent them from meeting the standards that the lead characters set as their nuanced performances enhance the play’s attention to detail and overall feel.
Between the stellar performances, quality lighting, imaginative sound design, and sublime set pieces, there is surely something to please everybody. This production is evidently the work of creative, determined and dedicated artists, both in the spotlight and behind the scenes.
Our parting thoughts: grab a friend and don’t miss out on your chance to support them, so be sure to go see the Upper Merion Underground Players’ fall production of Clue in the High School Theatre this weekend from November 14th-November 16th.
