Get ready for murder, mystery and laughs.
Jefferson City High School's winter production will present "CLUE," a take on the famous board game, movie and play where the story line revolves around a variety of characters, a majority of whom are being blackmailed, as they try to solve the mystery of who murdered Mr. Boddy.
Zachary McKinney, drama director, said he's always loved the movie and enjoys giving the students a bit of a darker story than they typically get to do.
"I get to watch one of my favorite movies come to life on stage," McKinney said, noting the play has not been put on in Jefferson City before.
McKinney said auditions began in August, and the cast and crew have been working ever since. Now, they're putting on the final touches before the curtain rises Feb. 6.
Regan Bohanan, a senior, said she will be playing the part of Wadsworth, the butler, who she described as being in charge of making sure everything goes according to plan. She said the story has lots of twists and turns to keep audiences interested, while also making them laugh.
"It's funny with a hint of seriousness," Bohanan said.
Bohanan said she has been involved in every school production since her freshman year, crediting her involvement to McKinney, who first got her interested in drama and whose personality drew Bohanan to continue her involvement. Of four years worth of productions, she said "CLUE" is her favorite. It's also her first lead role.
"I'm a little nervous," Bohanan said, noting she was still getting her lines memorized about a week and a half before opening night.
Bohanan said she plans to continue her theater involvement in college, where she plans to study acting.
Blakelee Sutton, a senior, said he's taking on the role of Professor Plum, who has displayed some inappropriate behavior and is trying to cover up something from his past. Sutton said audiences will be able to relive the 1980s film in a new and different way by watching the students' interpretation.
Sutton said he got involved in theater after hearing an advertisement for the high school drama club when he was at Simonsen 9th Grade Center in 2016. After checking out the club and hearing a presentation from McKinney, he decided to take part.
Josephine Turner, a junior, said she's playing Miss Scarlet, an overly provocative woman also covering up her past. Turner said the show will not be what people expect.
"It's funny; it's a good show," Turner said. "It will be really enjoyable."
Turner said she has been involved in theater since middle school and always enjoyed the experience. She added she was nervous during rehearsals, but by the time the curtain rises, "I know we'll be proud of it."
Performances are set for 7 p.m. Feb. 6 and 8 and 2 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Miller Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $5 for students and $7 for adults, and they will be available at the door one hour before the show.