Bemidji Community Theater Stages Murder-Mystery Clue from Jan. 30 through Feb. 8

Bemidji Community Theater opens a stage adaptation of the 1985 film Clue with performances running Jan. 30 through Feb. 8 at the BCT Performing Arts Center, 316 Beltrami Ave. NW. Opening night is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, and the production will play Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, with a second weekend Feb. 6-8; Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

Director Derrick Houle framed the show simply: "It's about whodunit, where and with what." The production is billed as a farce and a comedic mystery. A KAXE promotional description called it "a high-energy comedy with witty one-liners, slapstick humor and a mystery that will leave audiences guessing until the final scene." The familiar cast of suspects includes Mrs. Peacock, Col. Mustard, Ms. Scarlett, Mrs. White, Mr. Green and Professor Plum; the plot opens when Mr. Body summons his blackmailed guests to Body Manor and the butler Wadsworth guides the night's chaotic revelations.

Tickets are priced to be accessible to local families and older residents: adults $15, seniors $12 and children $6. Tickets can be bought online at the Bemidji Community Theater website or in person at Ken K. Thompson Jewelry and McKenzie Place. The show is recommended for mature audiences. Community outlets and modest ticket prices mean box-office receipts will modestly support venue operations and upcoming programming while keeping live arts affordable for Beltrami County residents.

The production has a local human-interest thread in Anna Riedel, cast as the French maid Yvette. Riedel, an interim assistant registrar at Bemidji State University who came to Bemidji from Waseca for college and holds a psychology degree from BSU, told reporters she had not been in a play since high school. "I wanted to do something that was kind of just for me. As moms, we are always pouring ourselves into our children and our family. When I saw the invites extended for auditions, I was like, 'You know what, I'm just going to go out and put myself out there. If I get it, great. If I don't, at least I tried.'"

Clue fits into BCT's broader season planning. The theater's calendar notes that seasons typically include five shows across genres; upcoming entries already posted include The Sword in the Stone in April and The Sunshine Boys in June. BCT also lists program development such as Starbridge Academy, classes in scenic painting and costuming, and a children's book drive with drop locations including Gallery North and the BCT lobby.

Regional arts infrastructure and funding underpin the production. The KAXE Area Voices segment that promoted the show is supported by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and local citizens. The Region 2 Arts Council lists BCT: Clue in its programming and can be reached at (218) 751-5447, info@r2arts.org; its office is at 505 Bemidji Ave. N inside the Watermark Art Center and is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For Bemidji residents the run of Clue offers a low-cost night out, a chance to support local performers and arts volunteers, and a lead-in to a season of family and adult programming that keeps performing arts activity alive in the county. Expect community turnout to shape BCT’s ability to expand classes and youth programming later this year.