It’s a dark and stormy night, and you’ve been invited to an intriguing dinner party. Join the infamous oddballs Scarlet, Plum, White, Green, Peacock, and Mustard as they strive to locate the criminal before the murder count rises. Based on the board game and film, Clue is a murder mystery that you can’t miss out on. Now, let’s take a look behind the scenes of this exciting play that will be performed by Seminole High School’s very own students.

Clue is a funny farce-meets-murder mystery based on the popular 1985 Paramount film, which was inspired by the original Hasbro board game. The story opens in an isolated estate, when six enigmatic guests gather for a strange dinner party that includes murder and extortion. When their host is found dead, they’re all suspects. Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, and Colonel Mustard, led by Wadsworth – the butler, rush to locate the culprit as the dead count rises. Clue is a comedic whodunit that will have both cult followers and novices laughing as they try to find out whodunit… WHO DID IT, WHERE DID IT HAPPEN, and HOW DID IT HAPPEN?

The majority of the action takes place behind the scenes. Actors take on the roles of fearsome warriors, revered monks, beggars, and lovers. They remove their masks and wash away stage makeup here, away from the gaze of onlookers, to revert to normalcy. Secrets are disclosed, catfights erupt, and stormy romances bloom, but only a select few are allowed to see this tumultuous world of theatrical players.

“Ms. White is a very interesting character. She’s better at coping with difficult situations and has a good sense of humor. Without a doubt, I’m hoping that this play turns out to be great. After all, this is my last performance in high school because I am a senior. In my opinion, one of the most gratifying elements of acting is the chance to walk in someone else’s shoes, whether that person has mental health issues or lives and works in a small town because playing a part of another changes you.” Tatum Mcbride said. 

The cast reads the scripts, sets up the set, rehearses the scenes, and eventually runs through the entire play a couple of times to perfect their performance. Needless to say, our student performers  have been putting in long hours to polish this fast-paced production, while backstage team members have been hard at work building the set. The entire cast and crew have collaborated throughout the performance to portray that shared experience, emphasizing the significance of theatrical education while also being highly entertaining. One of the most important lessons to be learned from theater is that everyone matters and that everyone has something unique, great, and deserving of praise to share.

“Playing one of the cops within the play has been a great experience. Despite the fact that I don’t have a speaking bit, I’m just glad to be part of the show. With all of the hours the cast has worked,  I can’t wait for people to see the final product.” Ocean Debarious said. 

A successful performance needs a large investment of time, energy, patience, skill, and hard work. It is almost impossible for one person to assume all of the show’s responsibilities. Needless to say, duties behind the scenes, it goes without saying, go unrecognized. Some students in theater will arrange props, cosmetics, and publicity by creating posters, as well as execute lighting, sound, and stage control. It isn’t for everyone to be the focus of attention. That’s why there are a number of positions available in the theatrical arts and crafts for people who desire to work behind the scenes. Without these behind-the-scenes efforts, musicals and plays would not be possible.