The North American tour of Clue makes Syracuse its next suspect

Like many people across America, the first time Nate Curlott was introduced to the murder-mystery world of Clue was through the board game, which his family owned the 50th anniversary edition of.

Since the board game’s first appearance on shelves in 1949, and the release of the 1985 movie, the story of Clue has been enchanting audiences with its colorful cast of suspects. Now, characters such as Wadsworth, Mr. Green, Miss Scarlet and Colonel Mustard come to life in Clue at Syracuse’s Landmark Theater beginning Oct. 28.

Curlott plays the confident military man of Colonel Mustard, a role he was excited to take on.

“He’s a lovable buffoon,” Curlott said. “I love playing characters that—for better or for worse—just kind of take the world at face value. I really enjoy the stoic front that Colonel Mustard puts up, but there’s a softer side.”

When playing such a well-known character like Colonel Mustard, the actor must present the familiar characteristics while making the character their own. Curlott attributes much of how he plays the character to the writer of the play, Sandy Rustin, who was able to combine iconic aspects from the film with new stories in the live show.

“[Audiences] will have moments from the movie that they’re like, ‘Oh, yeah, that’s the movie! That’s the line! That’s exactly what I was here for,’” Curlott said. “Then there are these other moments that the people aren’t expecting that we are able to kind of sink our teeth into and form a deeper and fresher character than whatever people are expecting from the film.”

Curlott said the musical would meet those expectations with a few surprises. The actor who worked in Chicago for many years, specializing in improv and sketch comedy, said that background helps with the wit and speed Clue moves at.

“The show moves at a lightning pace and you really have to be kind of listening at all times,” he said. “If you get off of the tracks even for a second, you’re going to have to catch up.”

With the tour opening in Rochester on Tuesday, Oct. 21, Curlott said after three weeks of rehearsals, he noticed the powerful energy exchange from the crowd. 

“We feel that energy from the house, which just fuels us to keep pouring it into this real push of a show, this real thrilling ride of a show,” Curlott said. 

When reflecting on why Clue continues to excite audiences, Curlott said he believes the comedy and colorful characters make the show so enjoyable.

“That’s one of the things I think I really love about this show is we invite you in. It’s one act, it’s 80 minutes,” he said. “Come on in, laugh with us and then go on your way.”

Curlott and the rest of the cast Clue will perform at Syracuse’s Landmark Theater Oct. 28 through Nov. 1.