Before seeing “Clue” at the 5th Avenue Theatre, I was prepared to write: Definitely spend some time playing the board game before seeing this show.
I still think it’s a good idea, but it might not be totally necessary.
The touring version of the Broadway show inspired by the board game and adapted from a 1985 movie stands alone as a madcap adventure. I don’t use the word “madcap” lightly. “Goofy” also comes to mind as the characters contend with blackmail, murder, lots of thunder and lightning and (naturally) a surprise at the end.
The stage production of “Clue” features all of the characters, weapons and locations you know from the board game. (Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade)
My teen reviewers thought fairly young kids would like this show, even if they weren’t grasping the entire plot. What’s not to like about a scene in which one cast member will urgently exclaim, “We must look in the billiard room!” and everyone fake-runs while appropriate fake-running music plays and the backdrop switches to a billiard room, where more hijinx will ensue.
The characters all have their own motives and quirks, including the very heavily accented, cliche French maid.
The people and the setting do match the game: Col. Mustard, Mrs. White, Mrs. Peacock, Mr. Green, Professor Plum and Miss Scarlet (my personal favorite). Early on, they are given their weapons: a candlestick, a rope, a lead pipe, a wrench, a revolver and a knife. And naturally, they gallivant about from the dining room to the study to the billard room, library, lounge, etc.
For that reason, a familiarity with the game will make the show a much richer experience. So play Clue. It’s different every time and great for developing strategy and deductive reasoning.
‘Clue’ review: teen perspective
“I thought that it was good for as young as 8 to 10. Kids that young likely wouldn’t get all of the jokes, but the way the play is presented, which is very comedic, would be enjoyable.
“I thought it was fun and short, with some intense moments, but always played down by the comedy in the actions and music to lighten the moments up. I found it easy to watch and easy to follow, with good characters and a good story.”
They bring up an important point: The show is short and sweet — 90 minutes (and no intermission). It is a madcap race to the end, which you won’t see coming, by the way.
Clue runs through July 21, Tuesdays through Sundays. Ticket details here. Most shows are at 7:30 p.m., but there are additional matinees at 1:30 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and one Thursday. Other performances of note:
- American Sign Language interpreted performance, 1:30 p.m. Sunday, July 21.
- Open caption performances: 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 19, 1:30 p.m. Sunday, July 21.
- Audio described performance: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20
- Show talks: 4: 30 p.m. Saturday, July 13; Seattle Central Library.
“Clue” is the final show for the 2023-24 season. The 2024-25 season begins in November with “Mary Poppins.”
More in Seattle’s Child:
If the show “Clue” has inspired you: 20 of our favorite family board games (other than Clue)
Check our Things to Do page and Family Event Calendar
