Rutherford High School put on a production of Clue for November 15-16 this year. If you don’t know anything about Clue, the play is a fun murder mystery with many plot twists. It’s not just a play, but also a book, board game, and movie. So, I interviewed some stage crew members and cast members on what their experience was like working on the show.
For full disclosure, not all interviews were done in person, some were recorded and done through email.
Adriana Marques
Q: What was it like preparing for Clue?
A: It was a lot of work, a lot went into building the set and buying the props. Costumes were not difficult since there were no costume changes. Certain props had to be fixed constantly, though.
Q: What part of the play did you work on?
A: I was the prop master with Sophia. We were in charge of the props and where they went. I was a set painter as well and ran crew for changing the sets in between scenes on performing nights.
Q: What was it like moving sets and props?
A: Having to constantly move the room flats was difficult since they were wide and large, they would constantly get stuck on the curtain. My foot would get run over by the flat and the door was old so we had to make sure of keeping it the way we wanted it to be. It was harder to bring bigger props behind actors on stage while not trying to block anyone.
Q: What was the most memorable part of the play?
A: Trying to build and paint the set and interacting with the new freshman who joined stage crew. Ms. McManus also brought someone who works on Broadway shows, who was able to help our stage crew create the set. Running crew was fun, moving in and out props while backstage, remembering the actors’ lines and acting it out backstage.
Q: Who was your favorite character?
A: Mr. Green and Mr. Wadsworth
Q: What did you like about your position?
A: As prop master, it was very important for a play with lots of props, making sure we had the props or if they were broken. As a set painter, it was my favorite because I love painting, so I got to express my art skills.
Braedon McQuade
Q: What was it like preparing for Clue?
A: It was a little stressful, rehearsals were lengthy. But it was also fun and entertaining.
Q: What part of the play did you work on?
A: I was Wadsworth, the butler
Q: What was it like to be on stage?
A: It felt exhilarating and in my element. Not only am I an actor, but I also like entertaining people.
Q: What was the most memorable part of the play?
A: I would say, either my death scene or the battle. Both offered amazing reactions and strong feelings that were portrayed through my facial reactions
Q: Favorite Character?
A: Wadsworth because he’s just an interesting person. Very mysterious, with almost unexpected actions.
Q: What Did You Like about Your Character?
A: It portrayed a version of me, a funny and sassy side. He dressed splendidly which I loved. He reminded myself of me.
Aiden Barone
Q: What was it like preparing for Clue?
A: It was rewarding to go up on stage and memorize my lines, my placement, my specific actions in the play.
Q: What part of the play did you work on?
A: Colonel Mustard, who was a very dumb character, but in the most light-hearted way possible. He was still logistical and tidy while handling the situation of multiple murderers.
Q: What was it like to be on stage?
A: Being on stage was wonderful because the cast and crew spent lots of time on their parts. There were times we faltered a bit but it was fine, because the cast and crew were so talented and everything flew seamlessly. It was really fun.
Q: What was the most memorable part of the play?
A: The ending, how each character reacted to being accused of murder and how they reacted the ending, the twist reveal no one saw coming
Q: Favorite Character?
A: Colonel Mustard because he’s funny, yet dumb. Wadsworth, his tone and speech is articulated and very talented. Braedon McQuade is also a very good actor to work with.
Q: What did you like about your character?
A: I like the mustard yellow color. I enjoy how he handles problems and doesn’t have to plan ahead when trying to solve a problem but wholeheartedly tries to fly into a solution at Boddy Manor. However, I really struggled with specific phrases. I learn quickly but blocking was a problem I tried to avoid. I got over that but it took awhile because you need to find a specific spot to be in so you don’t get in the way of others.
“The most fun type of stressful to be experienced.”
Zeta Chin
Q: What was it like preparing for Clue?
A: Preparing for Clue was both fun and a whirlwind. The planning and hours we put into definitely make it feel special and while preparing you definitely get many learning experiences.
Q: What part of the play did you work on?
A: I worked on the whole set as well as designing the chandelier prop.
Q: What was it like moving sets and props?
A: Moving the sets on stage is definitely stressful and nerve racking if you mess up on stage but when you get it down it’s fun and a lot of fast paced energy although there will always be a set or prop that makes you nervous every time.
Q: What was the most memorable part of the play?
A: I’d say the most memorable part of the play is having the role of the chandelier.
Q: Who was your favorite character?
A: I’d say my favorite character is between Ms. White and Professor Plum.
Franklin Weiss
Q: What was it like preparing for Clue?
A:That’s a good question. I think it was relatively easy for me at least. I’m a bit of a procrastinator so I put off learning my lines for a little bit. We had, like, almost two weeks to learn all the lines for Act One and sadly since I die, all I had to learn was the Act One lines. But overall, it was fun preparing for it because rehearsals with everyone, even just for Act One, was really fun.
Q: What part of the play did you work on?
A: I worked on specifically Scene Three but overall, I was there every rehearsal. Even if I wasn’t part of the rehearsal, I was there, and I guess I played a behind-the-scenes role, like, hanging out with everyone there. Because we’re all family, so we’re all friends. We hang outside of it, too. I guess even the parts I wasn’t involved in, I was there just for moral support. Also, it’s fun. I was Mr. Boddy, I had my one scene where I deliver my fifteen lines and I die in that scene. I come back five or ten minutes later and then I come back in Act Two.
Q: What was it like to be on stage/What was it like moving sets and props?
A: Well, it was, this time, was interesting. This was my first time in a play, I had only ever done musicals before. It was definitely like a learning curve. It’s basically all blocking instead of choreography which is musical, obviously. But yeah, no, the crowd loved it and this is one of the funnier things I’ve done. I loved it. I guess, it was one of the more enjoyable performances I’ve done before just ‘cause of the crowd and also, backstage, we’re laughing while the show’s happening.
Q: What was the most memorable part of the play?
A: I think the first dress rehearsal, seeing it all come together, it’s a feeling you wait for for months and then finally when it happens, it’s a big sigh of relief, essentially. I think the most enjoyable part, when it comes to the actual show itself, is obviously, for me, my scene.
Q: Favorite Character?
A: Aside from my own character, I’d say Aiden Barrone as Colonel Mustard. Aiden’s an interesting guy and him playing the role of a, pardon my French, a complete dumbass, is funny to watch.
Q: What did you like about your character?
A: I liked how cheeky my character was. He was very, um, how do I put this? He’s very relaxed and at ease with himself but then also getting to die was fun, too. It’s so weird, when I was younger, I’d always fall on purpose. Sometimes, it was a joke, and it worked out in the end for me.
Eleri McGregor
Q: What was it like preparing for Clue?
A: It moved a lot quicker than expected but it was cool to see people make certain acting choices and how the show ended up playing out. It was also fun to see people develop their own character.
Q: What part of the play did you work on?
A: Mrs. Peacock
Q: What was it like to be on stage/What was it like moving sets and props?
A: I’m kind of used to being on stage because I’ve been doing plays every year. Sometimes, I would see a familiar face in the audience but I stayed consistent when performing.
Q: What was the most memorable part of the play?
A: I think I liked when the chandelier fell on Nick, who played Mr. Green.
Q: Who was your favorite character?
A: Mrs. Peacock, she was very funny and I liked playing her. Besides her, maybe Wadsworth or Mr. Boddy because of their growth and watching them grow as characters.
Q: What did you like about your character/position?
A: She had a lot of funny scenes. She just had a lot of funny moments where she would make big choices. And she was an alcoholic, which was funny to play. I was afraid they would make her an old lady with frumpy clothing but I loved her outfits and her funny moments on stage.
Nina Tavani
Q: What was it like preparing for Clue?
A: It was very hectic with lots of details. It took a long, crazy process but it ended with a good product.
Q: What part of the play did you work on?
A: Mrs. White
Q: What was it like to be on stage/What was it like moving sets and props?
A: It was really nice being on stage. I love being on stage and we had a very supportive cast.
Q: What was the most memorable part of the play?
A: The whole of act 2, lots of moving aspects but it was the most memorable part to perform as well as to see.
Q: Who was your favorite character?
A: Mrs. White. I loved her character and wanted to be her since they announced it was Clue.
Q: What did you like about your character/position?
A: She was fun. She is basically a scary, serial killer who’s funny. Everything in the show was done to gain some type of reaction so it was fun.
Nicholas Scaglione
Q: What was it like preparing for Clue?
A: It was a very rigorous process even though I’ve been in a musical before, I’ve never been in a play before. I needed to learn everything for my character.
Q: What part of the play did you work on?
A: Mr. Green
Q: What was it like to be on stage?
A: I can’t describe it besides amazing. Just being surrounded by friends and performing for people gave me a rush.
Q: What was the most memorable part of the play?
A: The chandelier falling on me, because during one of the rehearsals, it actually broke and fell on me, which hurt but it was okay.
Q: Who was your favorite character?
A: Mrs. White
Q: What did you like about your character/position?
A: I liked his duality, he’s funny when he’s not supposed to be. He’s a police officer and I like how he was shy even though he really wasn’t.
Ella Walsh
Q: What was it like preparing for Clue?
A: Preparing for a show is always fun, but also involves a lot of hard work and dedication from everyone involved.
Q:What part of the play did you work on?
A: I played Miss Scarlet.
Q: What was it like to be on stage?
A: Being on stage is exhilarating; there’s no feeling quite like it.
Q: What was the most memorable part of the play?
A: Definitely when Mr. Green exposes everyone! It’s such a shocking moment.
Q: Who was your favorite character?
A: Wadsworth!
Q: What did you like about your character?
A: Scarlet is witty and cunning. I like her sarcasm and dry humor. I also LOVED her costume!
Isabella Montana
Q: What was it like preparing for Clue?
A: What I did to prepare was to of course play the board game, watch the movie, and watch the tv show. Yes they have a tv show which most people don’t know about.
Q: What part of the play did you work on?
A: Parts of play I worked on was painting the flats for each room like the billiard room or the study.
Q: What was it like to be on stage/What was it like moving sets and props?
A: What it was like to be on stage was fun, I mean I got the opportunity to be on stage with some great actors / actresses.
Q: Who was your favorite character?
A: My favorite character would have to be my character
What did you like about your character/position?
Q: What I like about my character was that it was really fun to get to “arrest” multiple people because it made the ending so much more interesting.
A: Overall, Clue was an amazing play to watch and I give all the credit to the cast, crew, and director. Everyone gave such a great performance that it was hard not to laugh at every turn while watching. This would have to be my most favorite fall play so far!
Images provided by Rutherford High School. All rights reserved.