REVIEW: Big game of ‘Clue’ is a lot of whodunnit fun
“The Mousetrap,” the fourth and final production in repertory at the Old Lyric in Logan this summer, is often described as a classic. It is the longest-running play in England, in continuous production since 1952. It was penned by famed mystery writer Agatha Christie.
It’s a fun play to both produce and watch. And in classic Agatha Christie style, all the characters are trapped together in a cottage in Scotland and begin to interact like pieces in a live-version game of Clue.
Was it done by the butler with the candlestick in the dining room? Or perhaps Col. Mustard with a revolver in the conservatory? Play the game and find out.
Mollie and Giles Ralston (Amanda Mahoney and William Richardson) have decided to turn an old mansion into a boarding house. Having just opened, they are delighted that they have rented all rooms, even though a winter storm has seemingly cut them off from the rest of the world.
A visit from a local policeman (detective Sgt. Trotter, played by Richie Call), who has to arrive by skis due to the raging storm, warns the owners and guests that a murder that day in London has resulted in information that someone staying at Monkswell Manor is to be killed. Trotter is convinced that a decades-old case involving abuse of foster children is at the core of the murder connection and sets out to find who among the guests might have knowledge of the former case.
Oh, and sure enough, bodies in the Manor do begin to drop. In the living room, with a scarf about the neck, by someone dressed in black, as it turns out.
Mahoney continues her strong season with a very likable portrayal of Mollie. She begins the play bouncy and giddy to be opening up her boarding house, but by the story’s midsection, is showing some signs of possible involvement in the mystery at hand. She may have been picked for her part based alone on her ability to scream, heard by everyone within a city block at the end of Act I.
But she is not alone in showing some hints of involvement. First guest to arrive at the manor is Christopher Wren — or at least that is what he calls himself — played by Nicholas Dunn. Dunn is perfect as the nervous, hard-to-read Wren, who drops a handful of hints that he might be the mystery man.
Other guests include Mrs. Boyle (Colleen Baum), Major Metcalf (W. Vosco Call), Miss Casewell (Felicia Stehmeier) and the late-arriving (ah, is that a clue?) world-traveler Mr. Paravicini. Only Miss Scarlett seems to missing from the guest list.
Stehmeier is more subdued and subtle in voice and portrayal that her character in the forgettable “Blithe Spirit.” Lowe has a great time tossing his accent and his red herrings around the manor. Call and Baum are nice choices for their characters. All involved are very good at appearing to be just a bit guilty around the edges and everyone seems to be hiding some secret.
Richardson’s ever-so-slight body language, especially when on the fringes of the play’s focus, is well-done. Lowe and Dunn are also a pleasure to watch on the rim of the action.
Richie Call, as Trotter, is the focus of the play’s attention most of the time, and his character is well-rehearsed. Call even walks like a policeman. His presence is formal enough that it seems to make everyone nervous. And, as it is noted by characters in “Mousetrap,” no one ever knows what the sergeant is thinking.
The lighting for the set design by Annie Lyman was top drawer, with Bruce Duerden deserving a bow.
The only drawback from the mystery is that the actual climax feels a bit soft. There was no rescue just in the nick of time; actually nothing felt like it was just in the nick of time. The unveiling came and went, the game ended, and the curtain dropped much too quietly. When a mousetrap snaps, it usually makes more noise, even in old British whodunnits.
But this giant Clue game is quite enjoyable, nonetheless, and it was done in the Caine Lyric Theatre by all involved.
“The Mousetrap”
Director Terrence Goodman
Running Time: 2 hours 10 minutes, with one 15-minute intermission
Caine Lyric Theatre, 28 W. Center, Logan
Tickets 435-797-8022, http://boxoffice.usu.edu<http://boxoffice.usu.edu/>