Supported by the Performing Arts Department, George School proudly presents CLUE On Stage — a fast-paced, farcical murder-mystery brought to life by our talented student-thespians. Set in 1954, the story unfolds within the ominous halls of Boddy Manor, a sprawling mansion brimming with secrets, suspense, and suspicious characters.

"The play is a highly stylized ensemble piece best played with honesty and truth, even when the stakes are life or death," shared Director Mo West. "The script encourages actors to find their own comedic physicality while maintaining truthful intentions, as the pacing is intended to be swift."

CLUE On Stage was adapted from the 1985 film Clue, written and directed by Jonathan Lynn. Collaborating with John Landis, the intention was to create a story around the popular board game Cluedo (known as CLUE in the United States). The game was designed during WWII by Anthony Pratt and his wife Eva as a way to pass the long nights during air-raid blackouts.

Anthony longed for the fun of English country-estate murder mysteries, where guests would skulk the hallways, shriek and fall “dead” on the floor as he played piano. In 1947, he patented the game and sold it to a UK-based game manufacturer named Waddington’s and its counterpart, Parker Brothers (now owned by Hasbro). However, due to post-war shortages the game was not released until 1949.  

David Bergman '26, who plays Wadsworth the butler in the play, loves the artistic freedom he has as an actor. "I get to build a whole new person and incorporate a part of me, and a part of other actors into it. I get to make little skits and jokes here and there, and because this is a farce I see the feedback immediately — the audience laughs, or they don't, and I can come up with something new."

Developing the inflated comedy style while maintaining a core of truth asked the student actors to experiment with new techniques and further explore elements of comic timing. It also required learning to safely implement stunts for the production. 

"Designing and building a set that requires multiple locations without the ability to fly scenery, demanded stretching our imaginations," shared Mo. "This ultimately led to an artistic choice that combined two- and three-dimension design." Many of the props for the show were also built and selected to complete the production goals of a stylized farce. "Throughout the process we have worked hard, laughed together, and learned a lot through trial and error. "

I primarily hope the audience will have a fun time," said David. "But of course, I'd also be glad if they appreciate the details of the stage design, or our custom-made props. I love the professionalism of the GS theater program. The production of our shows isn't an easy process, but it produces shows that are levels beyond typical high school productions."

"Thank you for being part of this season and we hope you will join us again in the fall to witness the continuing artistic growth in these young theater-makers," continued Mo.  "Finally, I want to wish our departing seniors the very best as they move into the next chapter of their lives. They have brought so much to our theater performance program with their gifts of creativity and passion; they will be sorely missed."

Was it Colonel Mustard in the Library with the Wrench? Or Miss Scarlet in the Lounge with a Candlestick? Join Professor Plum, Mrs. Peacock, Mr. Green, and the whole eccentric crew as "CLUE On Stage" brings this murder mystery to life in this classic whodunit!

Performances are free and open to the public and run Friday, May 2 through Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. in Walton Center Auditorium. Learn more about the Arts at George School.

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Cast:

• Yvette (the maid) - Josephine Holler '26
• Wadsworth (the butler) - David Bergman '26
• Colonel Mustard - Matthew Hamilton '27
• Cook - H Rothschild '27
• Mrs. White - Autumn Raine Bussey '27
• Mrs. Peacock - Taise Martinez '25
• Mr. Green - Layton Dickson  '27
• Miss Scarlet - Clara Chen '26
• Professor Plum - NaNa Courtney-Bacher '27
• Mr. Boddy - William Chen '25
• The Motorist - Jerry Chen '25
• The Cop - William Chen '25
• Telegram Girl - Ava Quinby '28
• Police Chief - Jason Geng '25
• Chief’s Assistant - Lucy Spiegel '28

Production Team:

• Stage Manager - Cailet Ortogero '25
• Assistant Stage Managers - Kat Ferencz '27 & Lucy Spiegel '28
• Director’s Assistants - Jason Geng '25 & Simone Lu '25
• Props Manager - Colby Johnson '28
• Props Team - Monica Bisgaier '28 & Luca Pellegrini '27 
• Costume Assistant - Indi Mercado '27
• Hair & Makeup -  Kat Ferencz '27 

Tech Team:

• Ash Belasco '27     
• Julian Borland-DeMara '27    
• Ellis Franklin '25    
• Beata Haar '27    
• Everwood Ingram '25    
• Dexter Lansing '27
• Emilie Mathew ‘26    
• Indi Mercado '27
• Nina Nguyen '27     
• Kaiden Ramessur '28
• Hasan Sajjad '25    
• Maggie Solomon-Scheller '26

Production Staff:

• Director - Maureen A. West 
• Scenic & Lighting Designer - William S. Crandall
• Stunt Choreographer - Kevin Davis
• Production Stage Manager - Cailet Ortogero '25
• Costume Designer - Linda Bee Stockton
• Properties Designs - Kevin Davis & H Rothschild '27
• Advertising Design -  Lesley Driver
• Lights Crew - Beata Haar '27 & Everwood Ingram '25
• Sound Crew - Ash Belasco ‘27 & Maggie Solomon-Scheller '26
• Technical Assistance - Julian Borland-DeMara '27, Noah Buxton '25, William Chen '25, Josephine Holler '26, Kasey Fleming '26, Dexter Lansing '27, Kallon Li '27, Noah Paik '26, Hilton Rawls ‘28, Maggie Solomon-Scheller '26, Shrihith Talapaneni '25, Goldie Waldman '27, Cyrus Walker '27, and Alden Wu '27