Was it The Butler, in the hallway, with the revolver? Was it Mrs. White, in the drawing room (is that even a room?) with the snake? Well…rope. As we pluck up even more evidence from two more performers in Stand Up For…Theatre’s production of Clue we may find that the bodies are simply piling up!
You there— butler, is it? The one who buttles? Come here!
Anthony Case: Yes. I am that. But I am also Anthony Case. Playing Wadsworth. The Butler. Who buttles.
Buttles as he did before? Wait…that’s a different show…
Anthony: Is it though?
Yes. Yes it is. This one only has six colored game pieces. That one’s got a coat of many colors. Some might even call it technicolored.
Anthony: Fair.
Why did you want to come out and be a part of Clue?
Anthony: So Ed called me. But I was super excited to do it because I have loved the movie since I saw it in freshman year of high school. And I know that’s much older than when people get into the movie, but I love Tim Curry and how can you not love this movie?
You sort of look like a very young Tim Curry.
Anthony: Why thank you! When Ed emailed me and said, “Hey, do you want to be Wadsworth?” I couldn’t say yes fast enough. Yes. Done. I’m in!
That’s wonderful. How are you and Wadsworth similar and different?
Anthony: Wadsworth is someone who is constantly three steps ahead of everyone else. And that is not like me at all! He’s also very, you know, very professional and put together. I try to be that when I can.
Obviously, you’ve just told me you’ve seen the movie and are completely enamored of it, but did you ever play the boardgame, “Clue”?
Anthony: Oh of course. Was I any good at it? Um… I think? Maybe?
Now, if you had to pick a color that isn’t currently part of the standard six colors featured in “Clue” and bring them as an entity into the game, what would you pick and who would they become?
Anthony: That’s a fun question! I guess I would go with an orange? It’s such a fun little color and you can play with a lot. It’s not a gendered colored, even if it a purely binary character, you can play with it in a whole bunch of ways. I don’t know what I would call the Orange person. It just leaves so much open for interpretation.
Very cool. What is your favorite room in the house?
Anthony: Hmm. In the house. Wait— in this house? In The Boddy Manor? I don’t know why but the billiard room. I think it’s because I’d like to have a billiard room in my house. I think that would be awesome.
What’s your favorite murder weapon?
Anthony: If for no other reason because it’s just a very odd choice for a murder weapon I’m going to say candlestick.
That’s fantastic. I think what Parker Brothers and the movie meant was ‘candlestick holder’ because I imagine if you try to bash someone with a wax taper… you’re not going to get very far. Unless you’re shoving it down their throat or lighting it and using it to light them on fire.
Anthony: That’s a really good point.
So the Butler did it, in the billiards room, with the candlestick!?
Anthony: Don’t be ridiculous. I wouldn’t tell you.
I see. Why do you want people to come and see Clue?
Anthony: You mean outside of everyone here being absolutely hysterical? Come support the local arts. Come be entertained by these very funny people.
If you had to sum up your experience with Clue in just one word, what word would you choose?
Anthony: If I can say two? A lot!
I’ll allow it. Thank you for your time, Anthony. Off to buttling, with you. And finally— you! Mrs. White, is it? Yes, yes, come have a chat.
Kristen Demers: Yes. I’m Kristen Demers and I play Mrs. White.
How did you end up in this production of Clue?
Kristen: I’ve worked with Ed before in the past. I was Rocky Horror the very first time they did it and then I played Martha in Heathers. I took a little hiatus from performing, but Ed reached out to me, and I’m delighted to be back.
That’s lovely! How are you and Mrs. White similar and different?
Kristen: Hopefully we’re very different. I’m not a black widow. I am not a convicted murderer or an attempted murderer that I know of? I mean, I guess we’re not really sure if Mrs. White is either? But I’ve never had rampaging murderous thoughts the way she does. But we are a little similar. I think I can be a little reserved at times, now not because I’m holding mysteries and secrets or anything…but she definitely is reserved. For her own reasons.
Did you have a familiarity with the movie before you came into this project? Had you ever played the boardgame before?
Kristen: I did not know the movie, I vaguely knew that it existed. Now the game? Yes. But I haven’t played it in forever. I’m not even sure if I remember the rules. I don’t remember being very good at it, I’m actually really bad at games, but I am very competitive!
Sounds like motive! What is your favorite murder weapon?
Kristen: I like the candlestick. It’s a creative one. And it definitely sticks out from the rest of them.
Sticks out. Ha. Ha. Now, what’s your favorite room in the house?
Kristen: I like the billiard room, for reasons that will become known when you see the show!
Wow. So Mrs. White, with the candlestick, in the billiards room. Sounds like you and the butler are in on it together!
Kristen: You’ll have to see the show to know!
Okay, okay! Now, if you had to pick a color that isn’t currently part of the standard six colors featured in “Clue” and bring them as an entity into the game, what would you pick and who would they become?
Kristen: Oh wow. Let’s see…what color is not in here? Maybe a yellow— wait, no, we already have a yellow in Colonel Mustard. So Orange. I want orange. Orange reminds me of cautionary…so they’re probably mysterious but very cautious about it!
That sounds intriguing. Why do you want people to come out an see Clue?
Kristen: We’ve been working really hard on it. The cast and crew— I have never worked with more committed people and I am very honored to be a part of it.
That is always wonderful to hear. If you had to sum up your Clue experience in just one word, what word do you use?
Kristen: One word? That’s really hard! Unique. I think that about sums it up!
Clue plays February 24th 2023 through March 5th 2023 with Stand Up For…Theatre in their new home at DoodleHATCH— 8775 Cloudleap Court in Columbia, MD. Tickets are available for purchase at the door or in advance online.
To read the first part of Colorful Conversations with the Cast of Clue featuring Colonel Mustard, Mister Green, and Professor Plum, click here.
To read the second part of Colorful Conversations with the Cast of Clue featuring Miss Scarlet, Mrs. Peacock, and Yvette, click here.
*not all cast members were available at the time of interview.
