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Theater Review: CLUE (Second North American Tour at the McCallum Theatre)
by Jason Mannino | February 26, 2026
in Palm Springs
(Coachella Valley), Theater, Tours
A BOARD GAME FAVORITE TURNS INTO A
LIVE-ACTION FARCE OF MURDER AND MAYHEM
A high-energy whodunit that entertains, even when the pacing wobbles
The classic whodunit murder mystery game Clue leapt from the board to the boards last night at McCallum Theatre. The production—directed by Casey Hushion—is a bit of a double-edged dagger. While it offers a nostalgic, high-energy trip to 1954 New England during the McCarthy era, the opening night performance struggled at times to find its footing. The manic pacing occasionally felt either frantic or sluggish, leaving some of the script’s sharper satirical bites buried beneath the slapstick. Still, for those looking for a fun romp, there is plenty of mystery to enjoy.
The Company
The play brings the iconic board game characters to life as a group of colorful strangers gathered for a mysterious evening at Boddy Manor, hosted by Mr. Boddy (Joseph Dalfonso). The guests—Mrs. White (Sarah Mackenzie Baron), Miss Scarlet (Camille Capers), Colonel Mustard (Nate Curlott), Mr. Green (TJ Lamando), Mrs. Peacock (Madeline Raube), and Professor Plum (Kyle Vampiro)—soon find themselves entangled in a web of murders. To survive the night, they must work with the butler, Wadsworth, to identify the killer among them before the body count rises further.
Sarah Mackenzie Baron, TJ Lamando and Adam Brett
The ensemble delivers solid performances across the board, but the undisputed standout is Adam Brett as Wadsworth. His performance reaches its zenith during the show’s climactic recap, where he recounts the evening’s murderous events. It’s a physical comedy masterclass, guiding the audience through dizzying plot twists with infectious energy and precision.
The Company
Lee Savage’s set design vividly establishes the sprawling mystery of Boddy Manor, with revolving elements that reveal rooms like the study and kitchen. Lighting by Ryan O’Gara and sound design by Jeff Human further enhance the atmosphere, with technical cues so sharp they can be genuinely startling.
The Company
While the pacing remains uneven, the sheer athleticism and comedic brilliance of the Wadsworth recap alone make this a worthwhile ticket. It’s a fun, if inconsistent, production that fans of the original game—and its theatrical adaptation—will appreciate.
The Company
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photos by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade
Clue
second North American tour
McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr.
reviewed February 25, 2026; ends on March 1, 2026 in Palm Desert
for tickets (starting at $35), visit McCallum
tour continues well into 2026
for dates and cities, visit Clue
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Sarah Mackenzie Baron, TJ Lamando and Adam Brett
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