By Chuck Graham, TucsonStage.com
The Great American Playhouse is picking up the pace with its zesty production, “Whodunit or They Haven't A Clue.” The action is quicker, there is a radio play within the “Whodunit” play and lots of other stuff keeps happening. But even with so many pieces flying around, everything still fits together.
Fans of the board game “Clue” will be happy to see characters with such names as Peach, Plum, Scarlet, Green and, of course, Mustard back in the crime game.
Some weapons of choice, popping up from time to time, include a candlestick, dagger, lead pipe, revolver, rope and a very large monkey wrench.
Stock dialogue used in the pursuit of those tell-tell moments that point toward the guilty party become puns getting still more laughs.
Most of the roles are double-cast. A the performance I attended, Jesus Limon is the ever astute Inspector Mustrd, investigating a murder at the mansion lf Lady Peacock (Jodi Darling), who is attended by the always suspicious burglar, Wadsworth (Nick Seivert).
Lady Peacock wouldn't you know is a huge fan of the radio show “Topsy Turvy Private Investigators.” She tunes in the program and we watch Xander Mason and Katherine Philips as Topsy and Turvey do their show, complete with sound effects.
Before you can say “Isn't it about time for intermission?” a murder has been committed and the police have been called.
Various clues are dropping like flies as Inspector Mustard begins his work. At one point, everybody on stage is the logical suspect.
It wouldn't be a Victorian mansion without a turbaned fortune teller and general all-around mystic puttering about the place. Enter Zoltan the Great (also Seivert) who does a very funny take-off on the Johnny Carson favorite, Carnac the Magnificent (fortelling the secret question after he hears the answer).
After the true murder has been determined and justice set right, with some help from the audience, the wacky GAP gang in a sentimental mood pours its talents into the “Flower Power” aftershow olio.
Included on the song list are “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Delilah” in the style of Tom Jones, and such jokes as “Why do seagulls live by the sea? Because if they lived by the bay, they would be called baygulls!” (You may need to read that punch line out loud.)
“Who Dunit or They Haven't A Clue” continues through Nov.14, with performances at 7 p.m. Thursdays, 6 p.m.Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, at the Great American Playhouse,
Tickets are $18.50 adults; $16.50 seniors 60 and over, active military and students; $8.50 children 12 and under.
For details and reservations, 520-512-5145, www.gaplayhouse.com
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