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This is the week Montezuma-Cortez High School theater group presents \u201cClue\u201d, the classic who-done-it murder mystery in a dinner-theater format.<\/p>\n
The student cast will mix it up with the audience during the performance, which will take place within an elaborate set that surrounds diners built inside the gym.<\/p>\n
Throughout the show breaks will provide an opportunity to serve up a three-course meal, featuring homemade lasagna, salad, and desert. The meal is food-for-thought as the audience ponders who of several guests, locked in a Gothic mansion, killed Mr. Boddy in this cult classic featuring blackmail, deceit, and undercover police investigations.<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2018Clue\u2019 is a different theater experience for us because it breaks the \u2018fourth wall\u2019 meaning the actors get to interact with the audience,\u201d said junior Kaylee Brinkerhoff, aka, \u201cthe scandalous\u201d Miss Scarlett.<\/p>\n
This is the first dinner theater performance for the student actors. The scenes will take place in 13 sets situated around the dining audience. The different approach is more entertaining for the students and the audience.<\/p>\n
\u201cUsually the actor kind of ignores the audience, and they watch the performance like a movie,\u201d says Brinkerhoff. \u201cIn \u2018Clue,\u2019 we will talk with them, ask them what they think. It makes it more interesting and fun!\u201d<\/p>\n
Spoiler Alert: The script is based off of the 1985 comedy, but Brinkerhoff is likely correct that most of the younger generation has not seen it, and older folks have probably forgotten.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will be a total shocker for the audience, the young and older,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n
For Amanda Kill, performing as French maid Yvette, the unique interacting format gives the play more energy.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a more exciting type of theater. We\u2019ll be filling your water and asking what you think. Then at the end the audience decides on one of three possible endings of who committed the murder.\u201d<\/p>\n
Director and theater teacher Angela Gabarti says the students deserve a lot of credit for tackling a difficult play.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe lines are hard because it is fast-paced comedy, but they have been doing very well. They have brought a lot of creative flair to their characters,\u201d she said. \u201cThe mystery has some surprise twists.\u201d<\/p>\n
The majority of the 20 students in \u201cClue\u201d also are lead actors for the upcoming \u201cPeter Pan\u201d performance that will take place mid-November.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo they\u2019re doing two shows right now which is a lot of work, but they are doing an amazing job,\u201d Gabarti said. \u201cIt is a privilege to work with these kids and see how they support each other.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe cast taught me my French accent,\u201d Yvette adds. \u201cThem and YouTube.\u201d<\/p>\n
M-CHS has earned a reputation for excellent special effects and artistic set building. \u201cClue\u201d features 13 different platform stages, and one in the middle.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is very abstract, with a lot of artwork. Because the play is in the gym, the set goes up the day of the show, so that is a good skill kids learn as well,\u201d Gabarti said.<\/p>\n
The theater group is very welcoming. From the moment a student volunteers to participate, they become part of a family.<\/p>\n
\u201cI recommend it because there is a lot of acceptance, and its really fun,\u201d Kill says. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to be a good actor or a good singer. There is a lot of different ways to participate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adds Brinkerhoff: \u201cWe are a close family. We love each other and really support one another.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cClue\u201d will show Friday, Oct. 25, and Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Montezuma-Cortez High School gymnasium. There will be a silent auction and appetizers at 6 p.m., and the play and dinner will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and are limited. They can be purchased this week at the high school after 4:30 p.m. in the commons room.<\/p>\n