Behind the Curtain: Clue

Theater Statesville presents 'Clue' this September (Samantha Hill/Lake Norman Record).

The mystery, comedy and chaos of the classic board game comes to life as Theater Statesville presents “Clue,” directed by Jennifer D. Grant and Tonya Fowler, serving as assistant director. The production features a cast of actors portraying the familiar suspects, each one of them containing their own secrets, personality and motives as they navigate a mysterious dinner party. 

Paul Kelley, plays the Butler, a character he describes as sneaky, sarcastic and manipulative. To prepare for the role, Kelley researched the etiquette of butlers in the 1950s, including knowledge about how to stand and behave while incorporating the character’s sarcastic personality. 

Matthew Foter takes on the role of Professor Plus, a character he describes as a questionable doctor who may have ulterior motives. 

“I’ll be the shortest man in a suit,” Foster said. “I get to play the lascivious doctor that may or may not be up to nefarious things while here.”

“Clue” marks Foster’s first production with Theater Statesville. He originally auditioned for a technical role before being offered the part of professor plus. Foster said the rehearsal process has been a new experience compared to other activities he has pursued, including ghost walks and distillery tours. 

Steve Privette plays Colonel Mustard, a former military man whose confidence may exceed his abilities. “He was on active duty in the military in the 1950s,” Privette said. “He comes in a bit more confident than his abilities would indicate he should be.”

Privette said the cast and production team have created an environment where actors can experiment, listen and have fun. “We got a director and a cast of people who are really good at listening and taking direction,” he said. “Everybody’s being really receptive and just having a lot of fun doing it at the same time.” 

Behind the scenes of the Clue cast rehearsing (Samantha Hill/Lake Norman Record).

Nicole Whitehead returns to Theater Statesville for her second production, playing Miss Scarlet. “She is savvy, tough and takes no shenanigans,” Whitehead said. “She’s sarcastic, dry, sexy and seductive. She is a businesswoman who kind of wants to get to the bottom of what’s going on.”

Whitehead said she has enjoyed working with the cast and praised the group’s chemistry. “It is a great organization and this cast is hilarious,” she said. “We have some super skilled, amazing and hilarious kind of cast.”

Anne Wepner plays Mrs. Peacock, the oldest guest at the party and a woman accustomed to a life of prestige. “I am Ms. Peacock, the oldest guest at the party,” Wepner said. “She comes from a society of prestige. She gets easily flustered and has lots of anxiety with everything that’s going on, so she can be rather loud and dramatic.”

Wepner said she focuses on her character’s motivations and her desire to maintain control of her surroundings when preparing for the role. After more than 30 years in community theater, “Clue” marks Wepner’s first production with Theater Statesville.

Matt Finch rounds out the cast as Mr. Green, a neurotic germaphobe navigating the suspicions surrounding the dinner party. “He is kind of neurotic and a germaphobe,” Finch said. “He is accused of voting for Dwight D. Eisenhower for president, which is a pretty severe indictment for him and his entire existence in the 1950s.” Finch also noted that Mr. Green faces accusations about his sexuality, reflecting the character’s portrayal and the social attitudes of the period.

Finch said he has enjoyed working with the Theater Statesville cast and crew, despite some of the challenges that come with producing community theater.“I’ve certainly found it to be a lovely group of people that I’ve been rehearsing with,” Finch said. “It’s been interesting compared to other theater experiences I’ve had elsewhere.”

With a cast embracing the exaggerated personalities and comic timing of their characters, Theater Statesville’s production aims to bring the familiar world of “Clue” from the game board to the stage. The play is based on the screenplay written by Jonathan Lynn and based on the Hasbro board game. 

Watch the performance of “Clue” this September at the North Iredell PAC (156 Raider Road) on September 3, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12 (2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.) and 13. Purchase tickets here.