Sandy Rustin Makes Familiar Tale Unique and Hilarious

by Patricia L Morin  

Sandy Rustin’s “Clue,” based on the famous board game and the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn, exposes the fumbling, arrogant manipulators in this stylish, high comic farce.

“Clue” onstage is a quick, sloppy, word-crafty, scream-filled, finger-pointing, creaking-door delight.

Scenic Designer Heather Kenton’s huge high-ceiling wooden ballroom amazes us. The glistening crystal chandelier and six ornate doors with crystal doorknobs pull us into a whodunit murder-mystery challenge.

Any one of the guests could be the murderer since they all have hidden greedy motives. In S.F. Playhouse’s “Clue,” self-indulgent elitists operate in a high-stakes power-game in Washington, D.C. They maneuver, deflect, and lie—like the corrupt schemers in our dysfunctional government.

A mysterious Mr. Boddy, owner of the Boddy Mansion, has invited a comic array of guests to his lavish home. The butler, Wadsworth (formal Dorian Lockett) greets each pompous person as they arrive. The disguised guests use false names to hide their true identities—calling themselves Colonel Mustard, Miss Scarlet, and Mrs. Peacock.

Dan Holland’s lightning and thunder set a foreboding mood with flashes outside the high, arched window. Lighting Designer Derek Duarte’s imitation gas lights flicker sporadically, creating a gloomy, spooky ambience—perfect for this classic mystery.

Susi Damilano directs with precise movement and pacing, weaving this complex show into artistic unity.

Each door opens into an elegant room—library, dining hall, and pool room. Characters race in and out hunting for clues and accusing each other. With over-the-top theatrics, they dramatically express shock. They gasp at the sight of a dead body, even though they may well be the murderer.

The entire cast is bursting with talent, providing a cornucopia of quirky personalities. Elegant costumes by Alice Ruiz spotlight each guest’s wealth and arrogance. Mrs. Peacock dons a 50s shimmery chiffon ball gown. While Ms. Scarlett models a sexy red gown with an extra-long slit up the side.  

Soon after arriving, each character is presented with a personalized black box that contains a possible murder weapon. Prudish, spendthrift Mrs. Peacock (prim Stacy Ross) receives a kitchen knife.  Money-hungry, seductive Ms. Scarlett (sensual Courtney Walsh) brandishes a silver candlestick.

Clumsy, gay-mannered Mr. Green (chatty Greg Ayers) and uppity Mrs. White (expressive Renee Rogoff) find a lead pipe and hangman’s rope.

Bumbling Colonel Mustard (sure-footed Michael Ray Wisely) and adventurous Professor Plum (elegant Michael Gene Sullivan) wind up with a monkey wrench and a revolver. All the silly guests fear that Mr. Boddy will catch them in their lies and expose them. But why are people dying all over the mansion, and bodies piling up? Who wants to murder whom?

The conclusion catches us by surprise. But the ending makes so much sense that we leave laughing and satisfied. Like entitled killers in Washington, our greedy guests are busily burying their sacred secrets.

Come, see, and enjoy.

 

“Clue” –based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn, written by Sandy Rustin, directed by Susi Damilano, choreographed by Nicole Helfer, at San Francisco Playhouse. Info: SFPlayhouse.org – to April 22, 2023.

Cast: Greg Ayers, Dorian Lockett, Renee Rogoff, Stacy Ross, Will Springhorn Jr., Jamiel St. Rose, Michael Gene Sullivan, Margherita Ventura, Courtney Walsh, Michael Ray Wisely, and Elko Yamamoto.

Banner photo: Michael Ray Wisely, Michael Gene Sullivan, Greg Ayers, Courtney Walsh, Renee Rogoff, and Stacy Ross. Photos: Jessica Palopoli