Elgin High School Theatre Brings Murder, Mystery and Laughs to the Stage With CLUE: High School Edition, October 17-19

A dinner party at a secluded mansion probably isn't the best place to find yourself when the host turns up dead. But for audiences attending Elgin High School's upcoming production of CLUE: High School Edition, that's exactly where the fun begins.

Elgin Theatre is bringing the popular murder mystery comedy to the Elgin High School Auditorium for three performances, October 17, 18 and 19, 2026, at 7 p.m. each evening. With tickets priced at just $10, the production offers Elgin families, friends and theater lovers an affordable night of live entertainment while supporting local student performers.

Inspired by the classic Hasbro board game and the 1985 Paramount Pictures film, CLUE: High School Edition combines familiar characters, suspicious circumstances and plenty of comedy into a fast-moving theatrical whodunit. For anyone who has ever played a round of Clue and tried to figure out whether it was Colonel Mustard in the library with the candlestick, the stage adaptation brings that familiar guessing game to life.

What's the Story Behind CLUE: High School Edition?

Set in 1954, CLUE follows six mysterious guests who arrive at the secluded Boddy Manor after receiving invitations to an unusual dinner party. Each guest has a secret, and none is particularly eager to share it.

There's Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock and Colonel Mustard, all recognizable characters from the beloved board game. They're joined by Wadsworth, the mansion's butler, who attempts to keep the evening under control as the situation becomes increasingly chaotic.

What begins as an uncomfortable gathering quickly takes a deadly turn when a murder occurs. With everyone under suspicion and the possibility of more victims looming, the guests must work together to determine who committed the crime, where it happened and which weapon was used.

Of course, solving the mystery is easier said than done.

As the characters race from room to room, accusations fly, secrets emerge and the evening becomes a series of increasingly ridiculous situations. The comedy relies on clever dialogue, physical humor, mistaken assumptions and the audience's own attempts to piece together the clues.

The result is a theatrical experience that invites viewers to become amateur detectives while enjoying the mishaps unfolding onstage.

From a Classic Board Game to a Popular Stage Comedy

The story behind CLUE: High School Edition stretches back decades, beginning with the original Clue board game, first released as Cluedo in the United Kingdom in 1949.

The game became a household favorite, challenging players to identify a murderer, a weapon and a location through a process of elimination. Its colorful cast of suspects and recognizable rooms eventually inspired the 1985 comedy film Clue, starring Tim Curry as Wadsworth alongside an ensemble cast that included Eileen Brennan, Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd, Michael McKean, Martin Mull and Lesley Ann Warren.

Although the movie was not a major box office success upon its original release, it developed a devoted following over the years, particularly among audiences who appreciated its rapid-fire humor and unusual approach to the murder mystery genre.

The stage adaptation, written by Sandy Rustin with additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price, draws from Jonathan Lynn's screenplay and retains much of the film's distinctive humor. Original music by Michael Holland adds to the theatrical presentation.

CLUE: High School Edition adapts the stage comedy for student performers, allowing high school theater programs to take on the show's demanding timing, ensemble interactions and elaborate mystery.

For student actors, the production offers opportunities to develop comedic timing, physical characterization and the ability to react naturally to other performers, all while keeping the audience guessing.

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Elgin Theatre Students Take on a Comedy That Requires Teamwork

Bringing CLUE to the stage involves more than memorizing lines and delivering jokes. The production depends on precise timing, coordinated movement and the ability of an entire cast to work together as the mystery becomes increasingly complicated.

The show's many entrances, exits, unexpected discoveries and rapid changes in suspicion create opportunities for students to strengthen their performance skills. Behind the scenes, theatrical productions also rely on the work of students and staff involved in scenery, props, costumes, lighting, sound and stage management.

For an audience, those details can make the difference between watching a story unfold and feeling as though they've stepped inside Boddy Manor themselves.

High school theater also gives students an opportunity to explore creative interests, develop confidence in front of an audience and participate in something that requires commitment beyond the regular school day.

For Elgin families, attending a performance is a chance to see that work come together. Parents and grandparents can watch their students take the stage, classmates can cheer on their friends, and community members can enjoy a familiar story performed by local talent.

Elgin High School CLUE Performance Dates, Location and Ticket Information

Elgin Theatre has scheduled three evening performances of CLUE: High School Edition at the Elgin High School Auditorium, located at 14000 County Line Road, Elgin, TX 78621.

Performances will take place Saturday, October 17; Sunday, October 18; and Monday, October 19, 2026. All three shows begin at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $10 per person. Families and community members interested in attending can purchase tickets here.

The production is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Dramatists Play Service.

Why Supporting Student Theatre Matters in Elgin

For many students, participating in a school play becomes one of the experiences they remember long after graduation. It might be the first time they perform in front of a large audience, discover an interest in acting or realize how much work goes into producing a live show.

School theater productions also create connections beyond the classroom. Families attend together, friends make plans to see the show, and neighbors have another opportunity to support the young people growing up in their community.

With three performances scheduled, CLUE: High School Edition gives Elgin residents several opportunities to enjoy a night out while recognizing the work of the students bringing the mystery to life.

And while audiences may arrive thinking they already know the characters and the story, part of the fun will be watching how Elgin Theatre's student performers interpret the familiar suspects, deliver the comedy and keep everyone guessing until the final reveal.

Whether it's Miss Scarlet, Colonel Mustard or someone else entirely, there's only one way to see how the mystery unfolds on the Elgin High School stage.

Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for more Elgin ISD news, student achievements, school performances and upcoming community events throughout Elgin and Bastrop County.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region