St. Joseph High School's Clue, an unpredictable stage experience | Cappies

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By the time the final clues fell into place and the culprit was cornered, St. Joseph High School’s rendition of Clue (High School Edition) left the case seemingly closed, though the manor never quite gives up all its secrets.

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Paige Hall, Critic
St. Mark High School

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At St. Joseph High School, a stormy night unfolds inside Boddy Manor as a group of strangers arrives for a dinner steeped in secrecy. Each guest carries a hidden past, and as accusations begin to surface, the evening spirals into a fast-paced mystery of suspicion and scandal. Based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn, St. Joseph’s Clue (High School Edition) provided an unpredictable stage experience where details were deliberate and woven with enigmatic moments, unexplainable tension, and slapstick humour.

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The production leaned fully into its suspenseful tone, using movement, timing, and stylized humour to keep the story constantly in motion. Jaya Maunders, as Wadsworth, anchored the performance as a narrator might, guiding the audience through the chaos with clarity and a balance of humour. Maunders remained energetic through the role as the butler, balancing urgency with well-timed comedic delivery. Furthermore, Ella Marcogliese’s Mrs. Peacock emerged as a consistent highlight, delivering deeply expressive reactions which matched the tone of the character. Marcogliese further demonstrated skill through strong comedic timing that carried through each scene. On the other hand, Chelsea Sarmiento’s Miss Scarlet maintained a perfectly poised, confident presence, while Diego Perez’s Professor Plum complemented with exaggerated physicality and composed remarks. Likewise, Zayne Mundy’s Colonel Mustard stood out with bold engagement that made the character’s remarkably heightened mannerisms feel irresistibly funny while Kaitlyn Baker’s Yvette added an additional layer of complexity through a carefully sustained accent, reinforcing the production’s heightened style.

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Beyond the performances, technical elements played a central role in shaping the production’s atmosphere and sense of momentum. A striking lighting design, crafted with remarkable detail, guided the audience’s focus and subtly reinforced the unfolding mystery. With 300 cues executed seamlessly, lighting shifts created a constant sense of movement, reflecting both the structure of the manor and the ever-evolving tension within it. Colour choices were woven thoughtfully throughout, hinting at deeper connections without disrupting the pacing. The use of haze and atmospheric effects intensified the shadowy, unpredictable tone, complemented by carefully timed thunder effects that left the environment feeling unsettled.

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The set design balanced scale and efficiency with precision, allowing seamless transitions to unfold continuously throughout Boddy Manor. Foreground action cleverly masked scene changes, allowing the narrative to progress without pause. Shrouded in shadow, cast and crew navigated each shift with careful precision and discretion, reinforcing the production’s polished execution. An extensive collection of props enriched scenes with layered detail and visual texture.

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A standout moment arrived in Act Two with the student-choreographed “Moulin Rouge — Tango de Roxanne,” which introduced a characterized burst of movement that contrasted effectively with the surrounding tension. Additional theatrical choices, including interactive elements, slow-motion, and re-wind sequences, accentuating the production’s stylized humour while remaining precisely timed.

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Through layered design, committed performances, and a clear artistic vision, Clue (High School Edition) at St. Joseph High School delivered an engaging and cleverly constructed theatrical experience. The production balanced suspense and humour, leaving striking and memorable impressions for all who witnessed it.

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Addison Myers, Critic
Colonel By Secondary School

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“It was Mr. Plum, in the hall, with the revolver!” Close, but no. It was St. Joseph High School’s sharp, gripping interpretation of Clue (High School Edition), indubiously laced with just the right amount of murder.

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The timeless board game was fully encapsulated with vivacity, imagination, and compelling executions of characters. Based on the original game of Clue, the play was then inspired by the 1985 Paramount Pictures film. Written by playwright Sandy Rustin, Clue (High School Edition) follows the trapping of six guests in Boddy Manor. These powerful, quirky personas each have their own blackmail held against them, presented by the butler, Wadsworth. The tale proceeds to reveal the twists and turns of murder, provided with the obvious question: Who did it?