After previously being performed in the classroom, the play ‘Clue’ is adapted to take the stage at the Abington High auditorium. It opens tomorrow, November 22-23, and promises a thrilling experience of laughs and unexpected twists. Based on the popular board game, the play offers a unique interactive experience for the audience, as they can try to solve the mystery along with the characters.
The plot unfolds mysteriously, and the most chaotic and crazy dinner is offered to his guests by an unknown host. Among these characters are Colonel Mustard, a retired military man brave but a little naive; Mrs. White, a secretive and mysterious girl with a dark past; the businessman Mrs. Green, a wealthy and flamboyant socialist with a love for the finer things in life; Mrs. Peacock, a sophisticated and elegant woman with a sharp wit; and a charming and manipulative woman, Mrs. Scarlet, who always gets what she wants.
This production, directed by Molly Joyce and Susan Mullen, features a small but charismatic cast and shows the strong bonds and connections formed over months of hard work. The play’s humorous genre sets it apart from previous productions, promising a light-hearted and entertaining experience for the audience.
In an interview with Susan Mullen and Molly Joyce, I asked what inspiration to choose the theme of the play this year, and these are the answers:
Molly Joyce explained: “The main reason we picked this show is because it is fun and funny and not dark or down in the dumps like we did in the last past shows. It’s fun for the cast and especially for the audience.”
Susan Mullen Added, “We like that the show has a lot of technical aspects. Being in an auditorium now vs. when they initially did in a classroom, we can have all the lights and sound and build a set for it, which is excellent. For such a small and intimate cost, they can get to know each other well and practice acting well instead of just saying the lines.
Among the advantages of being a cast made up of a few actors, many technical challenges would arise. Although it was not an easy job for any of them, the efforts and dedication of each one made this play possible. Director Susan Mullen tells you a little about her experiences working as a minor cast member and the challenges they overcame:
Susan Mullen said: “It’s been a weird, crazy time… Luckily, we both have a good enough sense of humor to just roll with it…If one kid is absent, we feel that it’s super hard. Molly and I probably have a red line for everyone in this show. A lot of times we were like “Molly and I are now part of the play” because someone was absent, or “Molly and I are playing with several people in the play.” So that’s been tough. But being a smaller cast has allowed us to have those times where we are like, we can all have to stop and laugh because nothing good is happening in the play right now, and we kind of like that minor intimate feeling anyway, so it’s like having its pros and its cons.”
Despite the challenges experienced by the cast of the play and the directors, they managed to turn these obstacles into memorable moments. During the rehearsals, comic situations and relaxation arose that further strengthened the bonds created between them.
Molly Joyce says: For Greg’s birthday, Moss, who is in our stage group, gave Greg balloons, and he decided to bring them to the rehearsal. The balloons flooded up to the top of the auditorium, and they have been there ever since.
The people involved in the play are far beyond just the cast members and the main directors. Several people contributed in every possible way to produce the play, such as the makeup design, tickets, costumes, and much more. About 20 people spontaneously volunteered to help paint the set built by Henry Backvold. Each of them deserves recognition for their efforts and creativity and for putting a little of themselves into every aspect of the play.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to experience the incredible talent of our school’s theater club. Witness the news that the theater club has to offer and have fun with your family and friends. Tickets are available at the entrance to the auditorium and will cost $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors! Don’t forget to stay alert while watching the play and enjoy the show!
Production Credits
Crew:
– Stage Manager: Molly Joyce
– Spotlights: Camdyn Baker & Juliette Rogers-Farrell
– Lighting Board: Sadie Hernandez
– Sound Board: Madison Mims ’25 and Samuel Medeiros
– Greg Fish: The Wadsworth
– Vangie McCleary: Mrs. Peacock
– Charliee Hernandez: Yvette
– Lucy Fish: Mrs. White
– Natalie Maciel: Miss Scarlet
– Jakob Khalil: Colonel Mustard
– Arthur Sugarman: Professor Plum
– Jake Martins: Mr. Green
– Rebekah Salah: Cook, Singing Telegram, Backup Cop, Newscaster
– Zack Westhaver: Mr. Boddy, Motorist, Chief of Police
Production:
– Costuming Assistant: Lainey Hogan
– Makeup Design: Mia Varney & Juliette Rogers-Farrell
– House Manager: Allyson Colsey
– Tickets; Christine Backvold
– Drama Club Advisor: Megan Tomlin
Acknowledgments
Felicia Moschella, Jonathan Bourn, Kate Casey, Jaime Haughey, Cara Howell/ AHS School Store, The Mullen Family, The Joyce Family, Dennis Ciarfella, Heidi Hernandez, Robert Mims, Aidan Guilderson, We thank those whose names arrived too late to be included in our program.
