Let's solve a murder - fun for the whole family
Jamie Ulmer • April 22, 2025
Nothing says "fun family night" like solving a murder.
Judging by the enduring popularity of the board game Clue, one could surmise that’s exactly the case. The 1985 movie, while not a hit at the time, has since become a cult classic. This stage adaptation has proven to be a success for theatres across the country. So, we must deduce that solving a murder is fun.
The evidence backs this up. The board game, conceived in the UK in 1943, was originally called Cluedo—a play on words combining “clue” and the Latin word ludo, meaning “I play.” Due to wartime shortages, the game wasn’t produced commercially until 1949. When released in the U.S., the Latin wordplay was dropped, and it became simply Clue, distributed by Parker Brothers. The game continues to be produced and updated, but the basic premise has remained the same.
The 1985 film featured an all-star cast of comedic actors, including Tim Curry, Madeline Kahn, and Christopher Lloyd. It famously had three different endings, and which one you saw depended on the theater you attended. Though it wasn’t a financial success at the time, it has since developed a major cult following.
In 2017, the first version of this stage play debuted, drawing heavily from the 1985 film. The script has undergone several revisions and adaptations through 2021. The show has proven wildly popular, often landing on lists of the most-produced plays in community, professional, and academic theatres.
It’s also popular with actors—our auditions saw the largest turnout for a play in many years!
So what makes it so beloved? It’s a combination of many factors: the familiar title and premise, the classic over-the-top characters, and the chance to don our detective hats and solve a mystery. It creates a kind of “comfort food” feel. We know what to expect, we can relax and enjoy the ride, and maybe even pat ourselves on the back when we think we've solved the mystery before the characters do.
Sometimes, you just need to take a break and enjoy some good, old-fashioned fun—solving a murder.
Enjoy the show!
Jamie Ulmer
Executive Director
Theatre Lawrence News & Announcements
Project honoring legacy of Louise ImMasche
Theatre Lawrence is currently accepting applications for select creative positions in the 2026-2027 season. To apply please send an email to julmer@theatrelawrence.com stating what show and position you are interested in being considered for, along with a resume. For consideration please apply by May 8. Open positions are: PIRATES! THE PENZANCE MUSICAL (Sept. 11-13, 17-20, 2026): Director, Music Director, Choreographer LIZZIE (Oct. 22-24, 2026): Director, Music Director December Musical (Dec. 4-6, 10-13, 17-20, 2026): Director, Music Director, Choreographer. Show will be announced May 25, contact us for more information. ON GOLDEN POND (Jan. 29-31, Feb. 4-7, 2027): Director Learn more about our entire 50th Anniversary Season at: https://www.theatrelawrence.com/26-27-season
CAST LIST Gomez Addams…………....................Juan Deras Juarez Morticia Addams…….................…....Shelby Easum Uncle Fester………..….....................…....Brian Williams Grandma……………….......................…….Beth Dearinger Wednesday Addams……..........….Gwentessa Alfie Pugsley Addams….............…...………Kouri Demelash* Lurch……………………….............................…Dan Heinz Mal Beineke………………......................…Spencer Greenwood Alice Beineke………………......................Courtney Ellis* Lucas Beineke………………....................Zachary Bricken Ancestor (Conquistador)..........Mario Bonilla Ancestor (Solider)...........................Malachi Swedberg Ancestor (Pilgrim)...........................Susan Rieger Ancestor (Gambler)......................Parker Bennett* Ancestor (Hippie)............................Mary Ramirez Ancestor (Bride)...............................Liv Brack Ancestor (Flapper).........................Kenzie Alexander* Ancestor (Witch).............................Robin Michael Ancestor (Flight Attendant).....Madison Torrez* Ancestor/US Gomez…..............……Samuel Person* Ancestor/US Morticia…..........…….Rachel Craft* Ancestor/US Wednesday.....…..Essy Siegel* Ancestor/US Fester……….............…Josh Nemechek Ancestor/US Lucas………..............…Timmy Adams Ancestor/US Alice………...............….Katie Hastings Lewis* Ancestor/US Pugsley…............……Nikki Hammond