The historic interior of the Aloha Theatre makes the perfect setting for an unusual dinner party on a dreary night. The host of the party is found dead and six distinctive individuals are the suspects. This interactive show calls for a night full of twists and theories where the audience is left ironically … clueless.
The Aloha Theatre and Aloha Performing Arts Company are putting on their first full capacity production since March 2020. “Clue: On Stage” is based on the ‘80s cult classic film and board game of the same name. The whodunnit? format production invites audience members to watch a mysterious murder case unfold. The show, which opened Friday, June 3, is running Fridays through Sunday through the 19th.
Due to the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kainaliu-based theater relied on live streamed or limited capacity performances. While masks are no longer mandated for indoor spaces, the theater still requires attendees to wear face masks because of the lack of active ventilation inside the historic building.
“We are so appreciative that the community has supported us so much during COVID and we are excited to welcome even more people back to the theatre and we look forward to having a strong season until the end of the year,” said Executive Director Melissa Geigar.
Dave Merrin, the director of the show, said “Clue: On Stage” will pay homage to the original game with surprises and things that the viewer might not exactly see coming. It is a thrilling experience for both the performers and the audience.
Merrin describes the table read, where the performers learned more about the script and production, to be bustling with excitement.
He added that his cast and crew are elated to get back into community theater in front of a full audience.
“I went out and saw ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ at the Aloha with my wife and thought it was amazing to be an adult again and go out at night and do something. So hopefully the audience feels the same thing that I felt,” said Merrin.
Daisy Stock has been performing with the Aloha Theatre for a year. “Clue: On Stage” will be her first performance with the Aloha Performing Arts Company with a full audience. Stock is playing the role of Wadsworth the Butler and is ecstatic to break the fourth wall with this one-of-a-kind production.
“Different groups of people will pick up on different energies, maybe we deliver a line a little differently one night and in that case spin off completely new theories of the whodunnit? I’m excited to see it night by night and how perception changes,” said Stock.
The Aloha Theatre plans to have a full season of shows that the community may attend and enjoy. Bringing theater and entertainment back to Kona is one the nonprofit’s goals for the year, starting with the fascinating production of “Clue: On Stage.”
Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays through June 19. Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and $10 for those 18 and younger. Tickets and information can be found at apachawaii.org.