After a year-long hiatus, the Kennedy High School theatre department reopens to the tune of ‘Clue,’ a board-game-based murder-mystery play produced by Kennedy students. It emulates the classic board game Clue, set at a party within a luxurious mansion when, suddenly,  people begin to die, and the attendees attempt to solve the mystery.

“Anyone that comes to see it will be very surprised by the wit of it,” Josh Horne, sr., said.

Although a comedy, ‘Clue’ still holds true to its murder mystery origins. The audience will discover pieces of the puzzle alongside the characters, adding another layer of entertainment on top of the set design, the goofs and gaffs, the thrill of gunshots and getting to view live-action theatre. 

“The audience can look forward to seeing our actual faces!” Kira Debrower, sr., said.

Beyond navigating COVID-19 guidelines, ‘Clue’ stands out as one of the Kennedy theatre program’s smallest spring productions in recent years, with about 13 cast members. Though daunting, the actors found comfort working with a tight-knit cast.

“It’s very fun to be able to talk to everybody, whereas when you’re doing a 30 or some person musical, you cannot talk to everyone,” Zoe Trumpold, sr., said.

‘Clue’ will be performed tonight (Thursday, April 22), tomorrow (Friday, April 23) and Saturday, April 24 at 7 p.m. with a matinee on Saturday, April 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased 30 minutes prior to the show at the box office, or online at kennedytheater.ludus.com for $6. Seats will be socially distanced and masks are required.

After months of missing out on theatre, ‘Clue’ is an opportunity to return to the stifled suspense of live drama.

“Three words: funny, deadly, loud,” Braden Hoyer, sr., said.