Get “Clued In” to the Best Improv Mystery
By Wes Hessel
Second City, in partnership with High Stakes Productions, has put together a mystery of mirth. “Clued In: An Invitation To Die For” is 90 minutes of murder, madness, and mayhem, Agatha Christie inspired full improvisation. If you like whodunits, or just want to watch a great improv troupe kill it, then your Halloween night treat is in Second City’s UP! Comedy Club on the 31st. A rotating cast of six will engage the audience’s help in the detective’s quest to unmask the murderer before it’s curtains for them.
I had a conversation with two of the group responsible for this so far sold out sensation. Peter Corey has been with High Stakes for about ten years, and Luis Castelló around two years now, but both are well invested in “Clued In”. One might think that the freeform of theater that improvisation is is just freewheeling fun, but there definitely is method in their madness. They note the company has built a framework so that all are on the same page of marks, goals, and conventions, but will still challenge and surprise each other to keep the fun fresh and sharp.
It starts with a purported letter from Ms. Christie audience members receive on the way in, and themed drinks to add to the atmosphere. There are even secret libations – you just have to know their password name. The customary elements you expect from the classic murder mystery are all there – the setup and investigator; motives, means, and opportunity; complications, revelations, and then the summation. Peter and Luis both happen to typically portray the same character type – the playboy – but they each have their own takes. For instance, Peter will sometimes bring in the element of the heart of gold, while Luis will often use the dimension of a Mexican historical figure, adding education to the entertainment.
The final performance is on All Hallow’s Eve itself, so don’t miss it. For tickets, please go to SecondCity.com/shows/chicago/clued-in-an-invitation-to-die-for-chi. High Stakes also does an improv spoof of the great “Hitch” films called “Hitch*Cocktails” at The Annoyance Theater – for more information, see www.highstakesproductions.org, and for Second City’s other offerings, visit www.secondcity.com/locations/chicago.
Category: Uncategorized
