BUCKHANNON – If you don’t have a clue what to do this weekend, let us offer you a suggestion: for four consecutive days, “Clue: on Stage,” based on the 1985 screenplay by Jonathan Lynn, is being presented by the Buckhannon Community Theatre at the Colonial Arts Center.
Premiering Thursday, Oct. 6 and running through Sunday, Oct. 9, “Clue: on Stage” promises to be fun for the whole family.
“Clue” will be presented beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6; Friday, Oct. 7; and Saturday, Oct. 8. There will also be a matinee show at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9.
Show director Dannie Stiles has been an active member of the BCT since 2015, debuting as Brad in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” and his other roles include Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast and Renfield in “Dracula” and served as the assistant director for “The Miracle Worker.”
Stiles said the BCT Board of Directors chose “Clue” because it finally came available.
“We knew we wanted to do something that would be Halloween-ish and for families,” Stiles said. “It is a strong PG presentation, so if you would not let your kids see the movie ‘Clue,’ it might not be the show to bring little ones to see.”
Anne Wilson, manager of the Colonial Arts Center, said some of the added effects during “Clue” were her favorite parts of the play.
“That and the lighting effects are my favorites,” Wilson said. “At first, they were not sure how they were going to make these happen, but we worked together with some of our contractors and Dannie and the cast and stage crew and figured out the best way to make that happen.”
Wilson said working with the “Clue” cast and crew has been a great experience.
“This partnership with the Buckhannon Community Theatre is going to be nothing but positive for them and the Colonial Theatre,” Wilson said. “We have become their home for most of their productions. They have storage space downstairs, and they are all really lovely people to work with. I think this is going to bring more arts opportunities to the community. I am thrilled.”
M. Eric Jett portrays Wadsworth, the butler. He said he wanted to be part of “Clue” because he loved the movie and has been playing the board game Clue since he was a kid.
“The bigger part is, it offers me the opportunity to play with a great group of people,” Jett said. “There is nothing like getting up on stage and sharing moments with other actors. I really enjoy it.”
Jett, a Buckhannon resident, said he has also performed in “Loves Labors Lost” with the Rustic Mechanicals, “Dracula” and “Mary Poppins.”
“Also with Wesleyan, I did ‘A Year with Frog and Toad,’ ‘Fool for Love’ and a couple of others,” he said.
Jett said BCT and the Colonial Arts Center offer the Buckhannon community a great boon.
“This theatre creates a better arts community in this city,” Jett said. “I think while we do all the things we do to make a living, this is what we live for – our arts and our fun. This kind of entertainment is what we are hoping to bring to others. I think this is a great opportunity for the whole community.”
Buckhannon residents Leah Propst and her daughter, Anya, are both cast members of “Clue.” Leah Propst portrays Mrs. Peacock and Anya is the singing telegram girl. Leah and Anya have been in a couple of performances together, including “Miracle on 34th Street,” “The Miracle Worker” and “Steel Magnolias.”
“We loved the board game and loved the movie,” Leah Propst said. “Who wouldn’t want to be in the play ‘Clue’?”
Anya, who attends Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School, said BCT and the Colonial Arts Center offer so much to the community, especially for students her age.
“There are not a lot of things to do in Buckhannon,” Anya said. “It is fun to come here and watch plays and see art.”
Doug Seckman, who portrays Mr. Green, said he’s been a part of BCT for nearly 20 years.
“I really enjoy doing shows and I am a huge fan of this movie,” Seckman said. “Getting to do the show has been a wonderful experience. The entire cast has brought their A-game, and we have a fantastic show. I like to create different characters and that is the fun part about theatre – being somebody else on stage.”
Seckman is from Lewis County and he attended West Virginia Wesleyan College.
“I have also performed in ‘Into the Woods,’ ‘The Sound of Music,’ ‘The Secret Garden,’ ‘Dracula’ and ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show,’” he said. “Way back, I did ‘The Music Man’ and ‘Damn Yankees.’”
Seckman said he feels BCT and the Colonial Arts Center offer the opportunity to get out and have some fun.
“You can enjoy yourself and it’s a place for the community to come, gather and have a good time,” Seckman said.
Greg Phillips, of Buckhannon, is Mr. Boddy, and “Clue” marks his first performance.
“I am amazed with the talent we have here in Buckhannon,” Phillips said. “I am amazed at how strong this community theatre is. Jim Knorr would be very happy. He was the music teacher at B-UHS for years, and he was a founder of the Buckhannon Community Theatre. We are very blessed to have this venue.”
Head out to the Colonial Arts Center to see Clue this weekend! And while you are there, check out the Clue Game Cards which are headshots of the cast members done by local artist J.R. Earls. Additional information about Clue or the Colonial Arts Center is available by calling 304-472-1651.
