the mommy avenger

There are some stories that never really leave you. They just grow up with you.

Forever known as a classic, the game Clue is a cherished memory of growing up for most of us. I remember playing this game as a kid with my siblings, sitting around the table and being completely allured by the mystery of “whodunnit.” We took our accusations very seriously. Was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the candlestick? Or Miss Scarlet in the conservatory? The suspense felt real.

So when I heard that Clue on Stage! was coming to the Eccles Theatre for a limited Broadway run, I was genuinely excited. Nostalgia mixed with a night out at one of my favorite downtown venues? Yes, please.

Within moments of walking into the theatre, I could feel that familiar sense of mystery. Even before the show began, the backdrop curtain set the tone. It featured the outline of the spooky mansion where the story would unfold. The details were simple but effective. As the lights dimmed, we heard a loud clap of thunder and a flash of lightning before the music kicked in. Instantly, we were transported.

And just like that, the board game came to life.

We were introduced to a colorful cast of characters, each more entertaining than the last. From the over-eager butler to the French maid, the military colonel, the sharp-tongued socialites, and even a questionable psychiatrist, every role leaned into the humor. The writing is quick. The jokes land fast. The physical comedy is constant. It really does feel like watching the game unfold in real time, only bigger, louder, and much funnier.

The premise stays true to what we know and love. Six strangers are invited to a mysterious dinner party at Boddy Manor. Secrets unravel. Motives are exposed. The host winds up dead. The guests are left to solve the crime before the night is over. Along the way, there are twists, surprises, and more than a few clever nods to the original game.

One of my favorite elements of the entire production was the set design. At first glance, it looks like a classic old mansion. But as the story progresses, hidden rooms appear. Walls shift. Secret passageways are revealed. Compartments open up in ways that feel almost magical. It adds a level of visual fun that keeps the audience fully engaged. The special effects, lighting, and sound design only add to the suspense.

The cast truly carries the show, though. The timing has to be perfect for this kind of comedy, and they delivered. I especially loved Adam Brett as Wadsworth, the butler. His humor, expressions, and quick character impressions were hilarious. He kept the energy high from start to finish and was easily one of the standout performances of the night.

What I appreciated most is that this is a show the whole family can enjoy. It’s clever without being heavy. It’s suspenseful without being scary. And it moves fast enough that even teens won’t be checking their phones. It’s the kind of evening that feels special but still easy.

Now here’s the important part. Clue on Stage! is only at the Eccles for a limited run as part of the Broadway at the Eccles series. Touring Broadway productions don’t stay long. They travel city to city, and once the final curtain falls here in Salt Lake City, the show moves on to its next stop. That means if you want to experience it live, you need to grab tickets while it’s still in town. It will be here until February 15th, so get your tickets now!

There’s something really fun about sharing a story you loved as a kid with your own family now. Watching my family laugh at the same mystery that once had me sitting around a game board accusing my siblings felt a little full-circle.

So if you’ve got a clue, come see this show while it’s in SLC for a great family evening. You won’t regret it.

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}