Review by Shelby Coleman
The Story Collective (TSC), northern Cincinnati’s newest LCT member theatre, invites audiences into a highly interactive evening with Clue: The Musical. Staged inside the Peterloon Estate, from the moment guests gather and settle into the space, the tone is playful and participatory. Rather than simply watching a mystery unfold, the audience becomes part of the investigation.
The Plot and Suspects
Based on the familiar board game, the musical follows the classic formula. There are six suspects, one unfortunate Mr. Boddy, and countless possible outcomes.
Justin Hanks plays Mr. Boddy and guides the evening with steady, rhymed narration that moves the plot from introduction to accusation. He appears at ease in the host role. Hanks shows off his improv skills, adding in delightfully comic moments between the cast and the audience. It is no secret that Hank’s vocals are always magnificent, yet in this new role he is still able to surprise us. Employing hilarious comedic efforts and ad libbing for his life, Hanks’ shows incredible skills and technique that allow him to bring life to this much-loved board game.
The ensemble leans into the personalities of Mrs. White (Jocelyn Sluka), Mrs. Peacock (Kristin Schisler), Miss Scarlet (Kayla Stroud), Colonel Mustard (John Dorney), Professor Plum (Spenser Smith), and Mr. Green (John Woll), each offering a musical introduction that outlines motive and mischief. The understanding of their characters’ relationships creates strong, over the top archetypes that had audience members cackling loudly throughout the evening. Each character’s switch between fully engrossed board game character and well-rounded actor, shows their flawless intuition and choices. It is fantastic to see bits and pieces of the knowledge that they are in a board game yet still remain fully dedicated to their cause. The Dectective (Karly Kuhn) enters midway through the show to help audiences solve the case.
Engaging and Immersive Experience
TSC’s production of Clue: The Musical brings audiences back to the bare bones of musical theatre. With a score played by a solo pianist (Eric Knechtges), the vocals and acting are able to take centerstage. The contrast between this bare bones approach and the magnificent background of the Peterloon Estate, create a unique production. TSC has turned immersive theatre into such an accessible event that any audience member from any background will find joy in the evening.
From the moment you set foot on the grounds of the stunning Peterloon Estate, you dive head-first into the world TSC Artistic Director Susan Jung has worked so hard to create. Explore the many rooms of the estate before the production begins to start your journey into the world of Clue. Audience members are able to meander through the library, study, lounge and many rooms later referenced throughout the production.
Not only can you view the world of this well-known board game, but you can play along throughout the evening. Each guest is given a form to help decide who killed Mr. Boddy, in what room, and with what weapon. Audience members are further invited into the game by picking the confidential cards that will reveal who, where and with what at the end of the evening. Want to be a real player? Step up throughout the night to roll the dice and decide the direction the adventure will take. There’s also a camaraderie that develops in the room as strangers compare notes and debate suspects.
The company’s commitment to audience engagement is evident, and the interactive format gives the evening its distinctive charm.
Overall
For those who enjoy participatory theatre and a lighthearted whodunit, Clue: The Musical offers an engaging blend of game play and performance in a memorable setting.
Clue: The Musical produced by The Story Collective runs through March 7, 2026 at the Peterloon Estate, 8605 Hopewell Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45242. Get your tickets HERE. The first weekend had multiple sold out shows. Reserve your seats ASAP.
- Note: Due to the experiential nature of this production, an accurate headcount is required. Tickets must be purchased online in advance—no door sales.
- Approximate run time: 2 hours, no intermission
- Appropriate for ages 10 and up (some sexual innuendo and well, murder.)
Liz Eichler, Stage Insights Chair and Member of American Theatre Critics Association serves as editor for all LCT reviews
