As a kid, I always dreamed of stepping into a board game — a real-life board game. I’m happy to report that this childhood dream came true a few days ago while watching Clue on Stage directed by Lisa Rubin at the Segal Centre. The detailed set design, the entrancing costumes, and the wonderfully talented cast create the perfect recipe to make you feel like a true detective in the classic game of Clue.
From the get-go, the show pulls you in by opening with a dark-cladded figure walking towards Boddy Manor. The air is full of mystery, chaos, and irony—giving the audience a taste of the magic that is about to be unveiled. One-by-one, we meet each of the characters in a clever sequence of introductions that somehow manages to give each character a fully fleshed-out and distinct identity in a matter of mere minutes: Wadsworth played by Kyle Gatehouse—the overly-serious butler who has more layers than he lets on, Yvette by Alexandra Petrachuk—the sexy yet naive french maid, Colonel Mustard by Marcel Jeannin—the comically confused and honest to a fault military man, Mrs. White by Nicole Wilson—the hysterical widow with a mysterious background, Professor Plum by Alain Goulem—the pretentious intellectual and self-proclaimed doctor, Ms. Scarlet by Felicia Shulman—the unapologetically femme fatale who has a thing for secrets and gossip, Mrs. Peacock by Tamara Brown—the classic prim-and-proper religious yet alcoholic senator’s wife, and last but not least, Mr. Green by Matthew Gagnon—the clumsy and socially awkward man.
From little plastic figurines in a box to characters on stage, each of them came to life in a wholly authentic way. Their unique quirks and backstory was presented through a witty script paired with impeccable timing, a combo that will certainly keep you entertained the entire time. A personal favorite moment? The hilariously convoluted exchange between Wadsworth and the Colonel over whether ‘no’ means ‘yes’ or ‘yes’ means ‘no’—an interaction that reminded me of my own confusion at times regarding these types of answers.
When all the guests finally arrive and settle in, the games begin! Behind the extravagant lifestyle, opulent decor, and flamboyant outfits lurks darker truths…from shady bribery to disloyal political partisan, Clue on Stage delivers all the beloved tropes of a good murder mystery, but wraps them in bright comedic packaging. Murders happen and chaos ensues in a paradoxically orderly manner with a pacing that is sure to keep you on your toes.
I have to say, the accusations scene was a highlight of the entire play. The long-awaited reveal of everyone’s suspicions at the end of each game with who did the crime, where they did it, and with what weapon did not fail to make me nostalgic. And the cast’s physical rewind for each new accusation? Absolutely masterful.
With Clue on Stage, I can promise that there is never a dull moment on stage. You will either be laughing your heart out, anxious for the characters, utterly shocked—or perhaps all of these at once! I would certainly recommend this experience to anyone looking to step into an immersive comedy that brilliantly brings the cherished game of Clue to life.
Clue is at the Segal Centre from June 8 – June 29. Tickets and showtimes can be found HERE.
