Locals Loved ‘Clue on Stage’

The first weekend in May marked the opening of the 25th Fayette County Community Theatre (FCCT) production, Clue On Stage. The play is based on the 1985 movie and popular board game which is celebrating its 75th year of mystery solving fun.

The organization welcomed more than 200 guests, a record number for opening night, and received rave reviews for their performance. Saturday saw 165 in attendance, with day-of ticket sales accounting for nearly a quarter of those, clearly due to word of mouth and social media reviews prompting people to see the show. Several people even returned for a second viewing, having enjoyed it so much Friday night.

Unfortunately, with unpredictable weather, reports of lightning in the area, and slippery surfaces at the venue, the FCCT Board of Directors voted to cancel the Sunday performance in an abundance of caution for cast, crew, and patrons. All 60 patrons were notified via email and text message.

“It was unfortunate to have to cancel the final performance,” said Clue On Stage director Melissa Weltner. “This team has worked tirelessly to bring the script to life and to have it end prematurely and disappoint our patrons was heartbreaking.”

The organization has never had to cancel a show in its 7½ seasons, but this one boasted the largest and most complicated set of all their productions and moving to another venue wasn’t feasible.

“It saddens me deeply that there were many who didn’t get to see it,” said Executive Director Heather Barthelme. “But we’ve got a summer student production of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, Four Old Broads in October, and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance in November, so much more to come this season!”

FCCT has a busy summer ahead with two weeklong student workshops, and the student production to be performed the last weekend of July at the La Grange ISD Performing Arts Center. If you have questions about any upcoming FCCT events, please visit their website at faycotheatre.com or call Heather at (979) 702-9368.