OK, Ferndale Repertory Theatre, get it! This sentiment amplified by flamboyant snaps and giddy claps encompasses my experience at their season opener Clue On Stage. The entire sold-out production from the actors onstage to the concessions has a level of detail off which wafts professionalism while redoubling joy. Much like an inspired game night with beloved friends — complete with themed libations, skilled hosts, raucous laughter and witty gameplay — FRT not only ushers in a new season, but an exuberant vibe that feeds anticipation for its wisely selected season and lays the foundation for this production to succeed.
Wadsworth (Andrew Miller), Yvette (Adrienne Ralsten) and the cook (Anabelle Sheffield) prepare Body Manor for the arrival of their pseudonymed guests Col. Mustard (Arnie Ellis), Ms. Scarlet (Tracy Foltz), Professor Plum (Lyn Trischum), Ms. White (Emma Sickles), Mr. Green (Kyra Newell) and Ms. Peacock (Queena DeLany). These colorful characters each harbor a duplicitous secret sure to ruin their reputations and are lured to an ambiguous gathering by Mr. Body (James Morris) to further extort them over their conundrums. They are armed with an onslaught of interesting weapons and a directive to kill in exchange for resolution. Instead, Mr. Body ends up dead and the hilarious whodunit comedy ensues with more murder and surprise twists.
What a delight to see Delany return to the stage after a hiatus. The phenomenal actress dazzles again with her full spectrum character and mastery of comedy. Along with Ellis and Newell, I believe these outlandish people through every moment and every decision. There is no need to play up the comedy or buy laughs in their absurd situation and life-or-death stakes. Thus, they sit in their truth and allow comedy to flow naturally. I don’t recall a single line of Ellis’ that did not produce a boisterous laugh, and Newell has some of the best character development work that I’ve seen in a while. Conversely, Trischum, Sickles and Foltz work to elicit laughs. If the laughter doesn’t come, they seem to reach for tricks that may have produced it in a previous show or rehearsal, but that removes them from spontaneity of the moment. While some of the choices land, I might suggest either making the trick bigger or focusing on the truth onstage rather than overreaching for comedy off of it. Interestingly, the juxtaposition of this style with the previous three creates a sensational diversity in the overall picture.
Miller tackles the tough task of a middleman, reimagining a Tim Curry role fresh in the wake of the icon’s death. He accomplishes this with success, capitalizing on an abundance of energy and some brilliant reactions. Of all the characters, his is one that can show the most variety, and I would love to see that reflected in more of his character choices. Interestingly, director Tyler Egerer may have cultivated these dynamics with intent. His bold directorial decisions are always welcome, regardless of outcome, as I prefer a fearless intellectual concept over regurgitated suppositions that rely on nostalgia. While there are still glimpses of the 1985 movie, it is still unique and true to his storytelling.
Linda Muggeridge’s costumes are gorgeous, particularly the superbly tailored Ms. White’s dress juxtaposed with the flowing and sparkly Ms. Peacock. Though I wish FRT would incorporate color labs testing materials under Santiago Menjivar’s lights (Mr. Green looks more like Mr. Dark Gray through much of the show), the small details like glittery hose and off-brand mustard color pants add hints of deeper meaning. Ben Ruse’s stage painting and projections humorously tie the board game to the show even though the scenic design is uninspired and misses an opportunity to incorporate comedic set changes to maintain the precious flow particular to this show. Despite that, all elements of the design team are cohesive enough to forgive individual misses. (Only please stop focusing lights directly in my eyes!)
The swift selling of seats for this production is a testament to the glee FRT is emanating. It is communicable and palpable and the perfect treatment. With an entire season seemingly dedicated to this spirit, Clue On Stage is a great indicator of must-see productions and invocation for jovial disposition. Go try to find out who did it in this production but perhaps think of season tickets because Ferndale Rep are the ones killing it.
Ferndale Repertory Theatre’s production of Clue On Stage continues through Oct. 4 with 7:30 p.m. shows on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays. Call (707) 786-5483 or visit @ferndalerep.org.
Tiggerbouncer Custodio (he/she/they) is an empowered queer Indigenous Filipino artist whose works have been seen on Humboldt stages and elsewhere.
COMING SOON
A city council meeting takes a dark, satirical turn at Redwood Curtain Theatre’s The Minutes. Catch it at the 5th and D Street Theater Sept. 17-Oct. 10. Call (707) 442-6278 or visit redwoodcurtain.com.
This article appears in Burger Week 2026.