“Clue,” set in the 1950s, brings six main characters together to a mansion the night of a dinner party. A “whodunit” type of play gives Hayes’ Thespians another interesting show to prepare for their audience.
“I’m excited to finally put a comedy on stage,” head director Kelsey Wright said. “We’ve done a lot of dramas over the past few years. Hopefully the audience will laugh with us and not necessarily at us.”
Skipping ahead 30 years since last year’s play, “The Great Gatsby,” that took place in the 1920s, the Thespians moved a bit up the timeline for this year’s play. “Clue” is set within the many rooms of an estate directly following a dinner party that lead to the characters accusing each other of murder.
Many returning faces also received parts in “Clue” for this year. With eight seniors participating in the cast, this year’s ensemble of actors consists of only 15 people. Crew isn’t much bigger, with only 20 people.
“There’s not a lot of actors, so it’s quite easy, but for the crew, everyone [was] very stressed that they would not finish in time,” costume crew member Lulu Ely said.
The set revolves strongly around the doors, the main connector throughout the mansion. With many moveable elements the set pieces transform each space into a room, rather than a stage. This year, the directors group took on the challenge of putting together a play with more set pieces despite the shortened schedule.
Full rehearsals didn’t start until November in an aim to allow more band and fall sport students to be involved in “Clue.” Once rehearsals started, the crew members went straight to work on the set after Dempsey wrapped up their production of “Newsies Jr.” and with less than two weeks until opening night, each member of the company is putting in time to bring the stage to life.
“I feel like I already know the show inside and out, even though we haven’t really been working on it that long,” senior Mavis Roach said.
Roach plays Wadsworth, the mansion’s British butler. As a senior, they are also the president of the Hayes’ Thespian Troupe. Many may recognize their stage presence from roles as a Delta Nu in “Legally Blonde,” to the French Narrator and member of the Electric Skates from “The SpongeBob Musical.”
With eight seniors in the play, Wright remarked that the group has shown great leadership to the underclassmen in the play.
“I love how the costumes are all very distinct and that each of them have their own color,” Ely said. “It’ll be fun to have each character be very different.”
Each character, similar to the famous board game, has their own theme throughout the show. The costumes are tailored to each individual character with most pieces rented for this specific show. The contrasting colors help viewers distinguish who is who during the 90 minute show.
“If you want to have a good time and laugh with your friends and family, this would be the perfect way to do that,” Roach said.
Opening night is Dec. 6 with tickets available online or at the door of the performance.
Categories:
‘Clue’ brought to life by the Delaware Hayes Thespians
Ava Vogel, Editor-In-Chief
November 28, 2024
6
Donate to The Talisman
$1060
$2000
Contributed
Our Goal
Your donation will support the student journalists of Rutherford B. Hayes High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.
More to Discover
About the Contributors
Ava Vogel, Editor-In-Chief
Ava Vogel (she/her) is a senior at Hayes. This is her second year on staff. She is a varsity player and a captain of the tennis team. She is a part of Hayes Players and Symphonic Choir. She is also involved in Tri-M, NHS and the Thespian troupe along with many other school activities. Outside of school, she loves spending time with friends, watching movies and listening to music.
Xyon Gavula, Artist
Xyon Gavula (he/him) is a junior at Hayes. This is his first year on staff. He is involved in Hayes Players, Chorale, and Marching band as a color guard member. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games with friends and creating art while listening to music.