The IUS theatre department is looking to excite audiences with the opening of “Clue: The Musical” at the Ogle Center starting on April 10, with additional showings on April 11, 17, and 19. Clue will have over 200 possible endings and thrives on audience participation. This is IUS’s first theatre production of 2026, and they plan to start it off with an investigative bang. The musical is rated PG, making it a perfect family-friendly show for anyone who is a fan of the classic board game.
“Clue: The Musical” is adapted from Peter DiPietro’s book and has garnered critical acclaim nationwide. Now the musical lands on the stages of the Ogle Center. This show is different than most as it heavily relies on audience participation. The audience aids the show by having a say in who they believe the murderer is, what weapon was used, and which room the murder happened in. This creates a fresh experience for every show, with over 200 possible endings. Actor Peter Tackett stated, “The audience should expect fun and excitement as they try to find who the killer is, with what weapon, and which room.” Mr. Tackett plays the role of Professor Plum and has said that the rehearsal process is the most fun when the cast can just exist with each other as they learn the songs and choreography.
Actor Katelyn Litch, who plays Mrs. Peacock. She exclaimed that there is no real difference from the traditional board game, other than the added character of the Detective. When asked for a personal description of the show, she replied, “This show is a wonderful and colorful world of silly characters. It is truly so over the top and goofy.”
The show celebrates Clue’s 40th anniversary and focuses on bringing the classic mystery board game to life. The theatre department even took direct inspiration for the show’s props. “We took the weapons from the board game, scaled them up a ton, and 3D printed them so the actors could use them, and so the audience could see them,” said freshman stagehand Xander Gaylord. Gaylord comes into IUS as a Floyd Central theatre alum and has respect for how well the department uses its limited funding to build extravagant shows. “When I was at Floyd Central, they had so much money to spend on their productions, but here at IUS, we don’t have that big of a budget. However, we do a great job with the money we do have,” said Gaylord. “Clue: The Musical” runs around 80 to 90 minutes, making the show a quick and fun adventure into the timeless whodunnit. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for IUS students. To support the IUS theatre department, stop by the Ogle Center to see Clue, the musical, on April 10, 11, 17, and 19.
For more information on the show, check out details at https://oglecenter.com/events/theatre/clue.php
