February 17, 2007

The Country Dinner Playhouse Presents

"Clue the Musical"

A Review by Stan Dyer

In keeping with their tradition of offering a variety of family-oriented entertainment suitable for all ages at affordable prices, the latest offering at The Country Dinner Playhouse is "Clue the Musical". This audience participation show is fun, entertaining, and especially attractive to younger audiences.

The show is reminiscent of the times when families all got together at a regular dinner hour to sit down, enjoy each other's conversation and company, and maybe play a board game later in the evening. The dinner theatre aspect of the Playhouse is perfect for this type of family entertainment. Everyone can sit down to a variety of salads, fruits, vegetables, side dishes, meats and breads all served according to traditional American recipes. Of course, every beverage imaginable is served, and there is even a dessert menu to keep you smiling. Then, after everyone is fed and happy, the wait staff transforms itself into "The Barnstormers".

The Barnstormers do the pre-show entertainment. Typically, they introduce themselves, do some sample numbers from upcoming shows, and end with a little song of appreciation to the audience. Lately, though, they added something extra special that I call the "Tribute". The "Tribute" is a song and dance created especially for the Barnstormers to showcase their theatrical talents. At a previous show, they did a spicy song and dance to the tune of "Fever", and I loved it. This time, they performed a medley of Duke Ellington hits that was almost just as hot. This part of the show is rapidly becoming a favorite and I anxiously anticipate what they'll come up with next. As always, I love to show my appreciation for their efforts with a generous gratuity left at the table. After all, even before the actual show starts, I am fed, comfortable and entertained. I think that's perfect.

When the show starts, you'll discover that this is less of a musical and more of a "live" board game. There is much of the singing and dancing of a musical, but the format is different. The stage is set up in six separate sections to represent each of the six rooms from the board game. Each of the six cast members represents one of the six characters from the game, and, of course, each of the six "implements" is present too, the rope, the knife, the revolver, the lead pipe, the candlestick, and wrench.

To begin the show, three people randomly selected from the audience come on stage to pull the cards that will determine which three items will comprise the mystery for that particular performance. The cast sing and dance to profess both their innocence and culpability. With the random selection at the beginning ensuring a different conclusion for every show, it is important for all to follow the prompts of the narrator and victim, "Mr. Boddy". All guests have the opportunity to use the checklists available at each table, unscramble the clues given by the cast, and deduce who, what and where to solve the mystery, (a small penlight is helpful for when the lights go out). It is a great opportunity for the whole family to put their heads together and win or lose as a team.

I recommend this show for traditional, family entertainment, but, as a musical alone, it's not the best. For family fun, it rates an "A", but, as a musical, it is only a "C". Take the family and go see this show, but you'll have to hurry. The next show in the season ticket package, "Guys and Dolls", is scheduled to begin March 7. I already have my tickets. You can get your tickets for either show by phoning (303) 799-1410. The Country Dinner Playhouse is located at 6875 S. Clinton Street in Greenwood Village. With plenty of free parking and a short walk to the front door, it's located right off of I-25 and Arapahoe Road, a short drive from just about anywhere. For more information, they have the website, www.countrydinnerplayhouse.com. I'll look forward to seeing you there.