By Lauren Siegel ‘23, Editor-In-Chief

Image courtesy of James Worrell Studio

On November 3, 4 and 5, the Newark Academy Arts Department presented Clue in the Coraci Performance Hall. A hilarious, self-aware “whodunnit” plot filled to the brim with campy ridiculousness, “Clue: On Stage” reimagined characters from the beloved board game into a riveting tale of murder and blackmail. 

Six seeming strangers, Miss Scarlet (Elena Koestel ‘23), Mrs. Peacock (Marina Chernin ‘23), Mrs. White (Yasmeena Sharif ‘23), Colonel Mustard (Jamie Foerst ‘25), Professor Plum (David Silliman ‘24) and Mr. Green (Evan Samaro ‘23), are all mysteriously invited to a dinner party at Boddy Manor. After being met by the butler, Wadsworth (Ben Glickman ‘23), the guests soon realize they are all being blackmailed by their host, Mr. Boddy (Sean Gilsenan ‘24). A string of murders ensue, leaving the guests scrambling to uncover who amongst them is a killer. With stellar performances from the entire cast, including accompanying cast members Isadora Martinez ‘24, Ada Wright ‘23, and Bianca Araujo ‘25, the production left audiences both laughing and glued to the edge of their seats. 

Despite the hilarity, “Clue” proved to be much more than a lighthearted comedy. Mr. Boddy’s main motivation for blackmail, as is revealed throughout the play, is his desire to punish the cast of characters for being “un-American.” Taking place in 1954 near Washington D.C, with references to McCarthyism, the House Un-American Activities Committee and the election of Dwight D. Eisenhower, “Clue” is explicit in its messaging about the dangers of xenophobia and the question of what it means to be an American. Through the motifs of facades and secrets, “Clue” calls to light the hypocrisy of U.S. values and asks us to ponder: who should be the judge of character? Should it be individuals like Mr. Boddy? Should we have the power to make decisions about the morality of others?  In our current era of deep political contention, “Clue” offers interesting ideas that are important for NA students to consider as we navigate high school and learn to act as informed citizens of the world. When asked about what she wants audiences to take away from “Clue”, Koestel affirms, “You can’t judge someone by their outward appearance. People always have a greater story than what you think.”

While significant to the NA community because of its poignant commentary, this play also marks an important step forward for NA theater as it’s the first fall play produced in two years without Covid-19 restrictions. This shift has not only had an impact on audience enjoyment, but also the experiences of the cast and crew. “For the past few years we haven’t been able to do character interactions as much,” comments Elena Koestel Santamaria ‘23. “Because we had the plastic masks [last year], all of our voices and facial expressions had to be exaggerated to a point where it took away a bit of the realism that you’re supposed to infuse in shows. Being able to reconnect with your face and with other people on stage has been so much fun.” The chemistry between all of the actors was palpable in Clue, and this strong character work helped make the show so enjoyable and engaging. “We’ve all just been able to bond this year and we’re able to be closer to each other which is really nice for theater,” comments Yasmeena Sharif ‘23, agreeing that a return to post-Covid normalcy has been beneficial for everyone involved in the NA Arts program.

While the production seemed effortless, it wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication of all of the cast, crew and faculty members. “It was actually really, really hard,” explains Stage Manager Marie Kung ‘23, who worked with Assistant Stage Managers Angela Lagonigro ‘23 and Jamie Shen ‘24 to create the complex lightning effects, sound cues and set pieces seen on stage. “It was a lot of effort but I think it all really came to fruition with this play.” Kung would like to particularly thank the tech director Mr. Viola, explaining, “He really really helped out a lot, especially with cueing and setting up all the lighting and sound. Big shoutout to him.”Clue: On Stage was a smashing success, not only bringing laughter and joy to the NA community, but also encouraging us to ponder the role that flash judgements and misconceptions play in our own lives. And most importantly, the play was free to everyone! As Wadsworth puts it, “What could be more American than that?”