‘Clue: On Stage’ opening COVID-19 style

Little Theater of Owatonna is doing everything it can to make sure the show goes on this time.
The cast of “Clue: On Stage” will wear face shields and the crew and audience members will wear face masks. LTO is also limiting seating to 80 people per performance to ensure there is adequate space for distancing, said Zackery Knapton, the play’s director.
Since March of last year, LTO’s performances have been postponed or cancelled because of COVID-19.
So what can theatergoers expect?
It's a dark and stormy night, and the audience has been invited to a very unusual dinner party. Each of the guests has an alias, the butler offers a variety of weapons, and the host is, well . . . dead. So whodunit?
Based on the cult classic film and the popular board game, “Clue: On Stage” is a madcap comedy that will keep you guessing until the final twist.
Knapton, who has worked on 11 consecutive LTO productions, said his experience in numerous capacities readied him for the director role.
“I understand some of the challenges the cast and crew are facing,” said Knapton.
One thing Knapton said he didn’t anticipate was all of the questions. “I was used to asking the questions, not being the one people came to for all the answers.”
That said, Knapton said, he was confident the cast and crew would be ready for opening night.
“I’ve been amazed at how quickly the cast moved in memorizing their lines.”
Raquel Hellman, who plays Miss Scarlett, said one of the biggest challenges she’s had in preparing for the role is wearing the facemasks in rehearsal. “You can’t see people’s facial expressions,” she said.
She said she expected that to change once dress rehearsals started and the cast began wearing their face shields.
“We are living in a weird time,” said Hellman, adding that the facemasks and shields are a way that people can enjoy live theater.
When asked about playing the role of Wadsworth, Patrick McColley said: “It’s fun.“ As Wadsworth, McColley said he gets to run around a lot.
“He’s prim and proper, but as the show goes on it gets crazier…just like the movie,” said McColley.
Other cast members include: Whitni Minton as Yvette, Gail Zollner as Mrs. Peacock, Theresa Scheidt as Mrs. White, Curt Jorgensen as Colonel Mustard, Ron Hager as Professor Plum, Jason Domstrand as Mr. Green, Tyler Mielke as Mr. Boddy, Hank Bell as The Motorist, David Phillips as Broken Down Car Cop, and Emily Winn as Cook/Singing Telegram Girl.
Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12,13,19 and 20 with matinee performances at 2 p.m. on Feb. 14 and 21.
Online tickets will be available at www.LittleTheatreofOwatonna.org. LTO’s remote Box Office at Tri M Graphics and LTO Box Office is also open for ticket sales.
Adult ticket price is $17; student ticket price is $14.