There is going to be a murder at “The Stables” theater.
In fact, there are going to be five murders, and you could be the one to solve them.
The Ilion Little Theatre Club next week is opening its performance of “Clue: The Musical,” asking the audience: Who killed Mr. Boddy, in what room and with what weapon?
The show’s opening weekend is Friday, Nov. 13 and Saturday, Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. Continuing Nov. 20 and 21, also at 8 p.m., and with a matinee Nov. 15 at 2 p.m.
“The Stables” is located at 13 Remington Ave., in Ilion, behind Remington Arms. Tickets will be sold at the door at a cost of $8 for students and $12 for regular admission, with no reservations.
With the musical based on a classic murder-mystery formula popularized by the Parker Brothers’ board game, first-time director Dave Dellecese feels the audience should be well prepared to follow the clues.
Those able to recall their board game skills will also be rewarded. At the end of each show audience members will turn in their game card and correct solutions win a prize, which Dellecese declined to reveal in keeping with the mystery theme.
There are over 200 outcomes to choose from, and each night’s performance will have a different solution, Dellecese said. This makes it difficult not only for cast members but for audience members trying to keep up. “You gotta make sure you’re on top of the game,” he added.
The intimate design of “The Stables” is also ideal for incorporating theatergoers into the show. After all, “it’s more fun when you get the audience involved,” Dellecese said.
And, of course, the director is confident anyone attending will be washed over by nostalgic feelings when they get a chance to utter the timeless rhythm of “Clue” solutions: It was Ms. Scarlet in the conservatory with the candlestick.
Ilion, N.Y. —
