From left to right the actors in a scene from “Clue” are Alex Rodriquez, Chloe Kilmartin, John Pickett, Rosie Papalia, Zander Chase and Heidi Frame. Photo by Jordin Lynn

“A happy train wreck, and non-stop chaos.” That’s how Zander Chase described “Clue,” a play to be performed at the Lucille Ball Little Theatre.

The play is based on the film and the Hasbro board game, adapted from Jonathan Lynn’s screenplay, with additional material by Hunter Foster, Sandy Rustin, and Eric Price.

The hilarious chaos is the result of all nine cast members being on stage at the same time, with action taking place in nine different rooms and accusations being shouted at random. Using the traditional Clue weapons of a candlestick, a lead pipe, a rope, a revolver, a wrench and dagger, there are multiple murders and multiple suspects.

Maybe the butler did it — maybe not.

Director Richard Walter finds this play to be a “definite challenge.” “But the tech is solid and we’re using the fly system as well as set pieces that roll on and off. The lighting and sound effects are all handled professionally,” he added.

It’s hard to imagine the colored markers from the game of Clue coming to life, but they all have their own personalities and quirks. Miss Scarlet is a madam at an escort service in Washington, D.C. Mr. Green is constantly sneezing because of his allergy to cats, and he’s hesitant and anxious. Mrs. White (who dresses all in black) has lost five husbands under mysterious circumstances. Mrs. Peacock is the flamboyant wife of a senator, Col. Mustard is a man with a stern military bearing, but he’s a bit dim. Professor Plum is a vain womanizer, certain that every woman desires him.

Heidi Frame, who plays Miss Scarlet, is having fun with this spoof on whodunits. “I’ve been thinking about trying out for about two years, looking at the different plays. I liked the movie, ‘Clue,’ so I decided this would be the play for me.” Asked how she would describe the play, she said, “It’s hilarious, with a lot of surprises.”

Kipp Reynolds plays the butler/detective, a role he describes as a facilitator. He introduces the characters and frequently addresses the audience directly. He says that his role is challenging because it’s very physical, something he was not anticipating when he auditioned. He enjoys working with an ensemble cast and calls the play a “convoluted mess of chaos.”

Alex Rodriguez has to work at his character, Professor Plum’s arrogance and sleaziness because he said that is “very not me.” The wardrobe, however, is a different story, because he and the professor have similar taste, and much of what he wears in the play is his own. He finds the play “legitimately funny” and said there are many levels of humor in the play, with some of it very subtle, and some of it more overt.

Chase tried out for the play because he likes the director, and has always enjoyed the movie, “Clue.” He describes his character, Mr. Green, as very fearful and anxious, but at the same time thinks he is the sanest of any of the characters.

He has found it a challenge to remember lines because, unlike most plays which have a flow of dialogue, many of the lines in “Clue” are exclamations or outbursts from one character or the other. Chase finds it helpful to link his lines to whatever room he is in. Despite the challenges, Chase says he loves making a fool of himself.

Chloe Kilmartin’s involvement with “Clue” started as an understudy for all the female roles, but because of an accident, she has replaced J. Alex Connor as Mrs. Peacock. She finds it a bit difficult to be on stage all the time, but loves the play and enjoys working with the rest of the cast.

Rosanna Papalia loves both the board game and the movie “Clue” and is happy to play the merry widow, Mrs. White.

Sharee Dominick as Yvette, finds the blocking of the play to be her biggest challenge. “There’s so much going on, with nine different rooms, and everyone is on stage.” She loves working with director Richard Walter.

John Pickett joined the cast because he enjoyed the movie, and finds it fast moving. Like Chase he finds delivering lines a challenge because “There’s no flow. The lines bounce around,” he said.

Ensemble male Michael Correy enjoys the challenge of playing three different parts, but says he’s learned that “playing dead is not easy.”

That’s seconded by ensemble female Giovanna Accordino, who notes that it’s hard to lie still when you’ve just exerted yourself and are gasping for breath.

Performances are Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m., March 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. and March 22, at 2 p.m.

For tickets, visit or call the box office at 483-1095, or visit the Little Theatre website, lucilleballlittletheatre.org.