Livington High School’s production of “Clue: On Stage” is currently underway, with performances in the LHS auditorium taking place through Sunday, November 24. The play, based on the 1985 Paramount movie and inspired by the classic board game, includes all the classic characters like Professor Plum, Colonel Mustard, andMrs. Peacock. For those unfamiliar, the story follows six guests who assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and blackmail are on the menu.
This comedic whodunnit gives audiences the chance to figure out who commited murder, where they did it, and with what object.
Behind the Scenes
Scott Patteson, director of theater arts at LHS, said that creating the show’s elaborate set was a challenge.
“The issue with this show is there are so many locations,” he explained. “Characters are running from room to room trying to solve a mystery, and you have to make sure all those transitions are really fast. It’s a comedy, so you need to keep the storytelling tight and suspenseful, so we knew we had to come up with a way for characters to quickly travel from setting to setting. Our set designers came up with a really clever solution that I think will knock people’s socks off.”
He explained the set is like nothing the LHS theater has attempted to create before. To solve this issue, the dining room remains in the theater’s pit, while two giant revolvers each contain three additional rooms.
Technical director and LHS teacher Brian Megaro said that creating this set was a multimonth journey.
“They’re each 16 feet in diameter and there are two on the stage,” he said. “They each contain three rooms andweighabout 1,500pounds each.”
Likemany ofthe elements throughout this stage production, creating the set was a collaborative effort across LHS departments. Some of the school’s auto-mechanic classes helped with the construction and placement of the giant revolvers, while stagecraft classes assisted in creating and decorating each element (Continued on Page A-6) of the set.
“That was an awesome moment, watching the big tough auto-shop kids helping out with the set,” Patteson said.
Hannah Albano, Ella Rubie Jay Intrada, and Caroline Bentley discussed their duties behind the curtains.
“One of our biggest j obs is to rotate the set,” Bentley said.
This set is the culmination of months of work, as the stagecraft and auto-mechanic classes have been working on it since the beginning of the school year.
Student Actors
Patteson shared that one of the great things about directing at LHS is the district’s proximity toNew York City, which means that many of his students have seen at least one Broadway show.
“There’s a level of exposure that you might not find in the middle of the country, which yields a lot of talent and dedication,” Patteson said.
Between two rotating casts, the stage crew, lighting, and sound, there are at least 76 Lancers involved with “Clue: On Stage.”
Patteson said that splitting the cast between two groups allowed him to include more students.
“Each cast gets a Wednesday or a Thursday; they get a big show on Friday or S aturday night, and then they get a matinee on Saturday or Sunday.” Splitting the actors among two casts also gave Patteson the chance to give more students leading roles.
One of those students is Benjamin Alstadler, a junior cast as Colonel Mustard. This is his fifth LHS show and he has perfomed in at least a dozen shows in total. He credits the high school program’s success in large part to Patteson’s enthusiasm and dedication.
“He really cares about creating relationships with students and getting to know us on a personal level, which really helps us on the stage,” he said. “Mr. Patteson is the only reason why we’re here and, without him, there’s no show.”
Sophomore Maya Friedman is playing French Maid Yvette. She explained that there is no animosity or competition between the two cast members playing the same role, or doubles.
“It could easily have been toxic with some of the doubles thinking they’re better, but all the doubles work together so well,” she said. “Mr. P. wants inclusivity andkeeps everyone in the right spot for casting.”
Freshman Rebekah Dorozhkin, who is cast as one of the police officers, described the audition process as overwhelming, since it was her first LHS audition and she did not know what to expect. However, she noted that the resources available to students helped her feel more confident.
“The workshops were super helpful,” she said, “they gave you sides to work on with other people, and different tips and examples.”
At Patteson’s direction, Dorozhkin used the 1985 film as research prep for her audition. Patteson explained that since he sees acting as a balance between what the actor brings to a role and finding the character, he said that as long as the actors are not trying to emulate what they saw on the screen, the movie can serve as a good resource.
Dorozhkin also praised the direction and dedication of Patteson.
“He makes the theater a complete experience where it’s not just reading off a book,” she said.
Maggie Meyer, who plays another one of the police officers, said that while the final weeks ofrehearsal can be hectic, she also finds it exciting “Because now we can see all of our hard work and how it’s paid off,” she said.
Since the characters are so stylized, Patteson encouraged the actors to heighten their performances and make bigger choices without sacrificing honesty.
“All these characters have secrets that they’re terrified will be exposed, and that leads to some pretty hilarious situations,” he said. “I’m pleased to say that our students have risen to the occasion across the board.”
The students involved with “Clue: On Stage” encourage readers to give the show a chance, even if they are unfamiliar with the source material.
“I wouldn’t be saying this if I didn’t mean it, but this show is really funny and the set is incredible,” Alstadler said. “When people walk into this theater they’re going to think they’re at a Broadway show. Everything about it, the tech, the elements, it all comes together and creates a beautiful product that no one should miss out on.”
“I’ve seen a lot of play s, but I have to admit ‘Clue: On Stage’ is one where the level of energy and passion are the same as any Broadway production,” Meyer said.
Dorozhkin promised viewers will not be bored when watching the show.
“It could be like a little family date night,” she said. “It’s super cool and a great way to meet new people after the show.”
Tickets are still available for “Clue: On Stage,” which will run at the LHS auditorium through Sunday, November 24. The play runs approximately 90 minutes and contains one intermission. For tickets, go to lhstheater.com.
