Behind the Scenes of CLUE

Thea Paulsson (‘25)

Sometimes the inner-workings of a production are just as much a mystery as the plot itself. Here to give you a clue of how the LHS Theatre Company put on a phenomenal fall drama, we are very excited to share some details about what happened behind the scenes of this year’s seasonal play. CLUE, a stage play based on the classic board game of the same name, follows six blackmail victims who are invited to a mansion by a mysterious host. When their nameless host is suddenly murdered, the six must figure out which among them committed the awful deed, lest their secrets be revealed to the world. 

The cast inspecting a suspicious voice behind the door.

Before the show debuted, I got the inside scoop about how the show came together, as well as some fun facts about the show itself to get people familiarized with the plot and characters. 

I interviewed three of CLUE’s leads to gather some info; all of them gave enthusiastic and thorough answers to my questions. 

Before the show debuted, I got the inside scoop about how the show came together, as well as some fun facts about the show itself to get people familiarized with the plot and characters. I interviewed three of CLUE’s leads to gather some info; all of them gave enthusiastic and thorough answers to my questions. 

My first interviewee was Junior Darcy Jammer, who played Mrs. Peacock. 

In her words, she explained to me  that her character is “the wealthy wife of a senator,” and, “a bit batty, neurotic, and quick to hysteria.” She elaborated on how much she enjoys playing the character, and how Mrs. Peacock’s comedic nature is very enjoyable to perform. I asked her to give some praise to the cast and crew, as well as some reasons why CLUE was worth seeing. She said the following:

Darcy: “Clue is a very humorous and entertaining show, and I still find myself laughing at some parts even when I'm well acquainted with the script.  The cast and crew dedicate their time every day after school for rehearsals. The shows would not come to life without the collaboration of everyone, and our wonderful director: Mrs. Baldwin!”. 

Darcy Jammer exercises poise while playing Mrs. Peacock.

Ms. White, another lead in the play, was played by Sophomore Mia Swingle. According to Mia, Ms. White is “an impassive and snobbish character, who still maintains a dramatic flair.” Mia also told me that the most enjoyable part for her was making friends with the cast and crew, commenting on how welcoming and friendly the folks at the Theater Company are. In contrast to this question, I asked her what the most challenging part of production was, and I learned the following:

Mia: “There are so many people that are doing all different kinds of jobs in order to make these shows happen. The challenging part of that is making sure everyone is on the same page, staying respectful of these jobs, and connecting as a company. However, when these things happen, we are able to put on spectacular shows such as this one!”

Mia Swingle, a.k.a. Ms. White, has no interest in revealing her secrets.

Lastly, Senior Jacob Vega, who played Professor Plum, was also happy to give me the details. I learned that Professor Plum is a psychologist, and is “smart and witty which gets him out of situations.” Jacob elaborates by saying how Plum is also “a man who thinks he is better than everyone.” Jacob clarifies that the reason why he likes playing Professor Plum is because he is the complete opposite of the character he’s playing - his words, not mine. I asked Jacob what the hardest part of putting on the show was. It was a tough, but eloquently approached question:

Jacob: “When doing any show in general, putting on a show is extremely difficult and can sometimes even be stressful. The whole cast and crew work very hard to put a show on for the people in our community. We try our best to stay motivated by remembering the outcome and exciting feeling when we are performing, The crew working their hearts out on building our set without them this wouldn't be possible. The most fun part of this process is spending time with our friends, being able to have a good time and getting] a lot of laughs out.”

 Jacob Vega’s character, Professor Plum,  posits a question to the others.

From what I can gather from these wholehearted responses, the cast and crew were eager and ready to put on a show to remember, and we at the Lawrencian can confirm that it definitely was a great one!

Volunteers selling Kisses for the Cast.

Grace Moran and Karina Godovanyy wait for their cue.

Colonel Mustard, played by Andrew Dauber, drops his interesting logic.

Advised by Mrs. Lorie Baldwin, the LHS Theater Company provides students with theater experience both on and off stage through producing a fall drama, and a spring musical. Students gain experience in acting, stage management, makeup, prop and costume managing. Continued work with our theater company earns students membership into the International Thespian Society, an honor society for demonstrating excellence in the high school theater program.