NME After Print: John Treacy Egan and Jeff Skowron of CLUE
For anyone who grew up quoting lines from the cult classic Clue, those moments of Madeline Kahn declaring, "Flames, flames, on the side of the face," are forever etched in our minds. Now, get ready to relive that beloved chaos as the stage adaptation of Clue hits Popejoy Hall. We talked with John Treacy Egan and Jeff Skowron, the dynamic duo behind Colonel Mustard and Wadsworth the Butler, to discuss their roles and what audiences can expect from this uproarious production.
John Treacy Egan is a versatile talent with a wealth of experience on stage and screen. On Broadway, he has captivated audiences in productions such as My Fair Lady, Sister Act, The Little Mermaid, The Producers, Jekyll & Hyde, and Bye Bye Birdie. His television appearances are just as impressive, featuring roles in acclaimed series like And Just Like That, Boardwalk Empire, and 30 Rock.
With a career spanning multiple genres, Egan continues to shine as a dynamic performer in the entertainment industry as he brings his spin to the character of Colonel Mustard as confident and enthusiastic, yet often hilariously misguided. "What I love about Colonel Mustard is he's so definite about what he feels and says. He's confident about it, even though he's always pretty much off base." The character allows him to take it in directions he might not have before while respecting the source material. "Our show is based on the film script with some exciting tweaks," he shares. The production has received high praise, including a thumbs-up from Jonathan Lynn, the original film's director, who recently attended a performance in Washington, D.C. John assures fans, "They're going to love it. It's a fun evening at the theater."
Jeff Skowron is a seasoned actor with a rich history on Broadway and beyond. His notable Broadway credits include roles in Enron, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and High Society. His film and television appearances include roles in Bad Santa 2 and Showtime's Super Pumped. With a diverse background and a passion for performance, Skowron brings a unique flair to the character of Wadsworth, played by Tim Curry in the film. He describes Wadsworth as the driving force behind the gathering of six strangers in a mysterious mansion. "It's satisfying to hear the audience enjoy the show," he says, reflecting on the warm reception they've received so far.
Playing a role recognized by many through Curry, Skowron is grateful that he's been able to take the role and make it his own. "They've been supportive of how I'm playing it, and allowed me to sort of do my own thing," shared Skowron. "When you're allowed to bring yourself to a role, it's better that way. They’ve been very open to my ideas and we've collaborated on certain things. I've been able to do my own thing with the role, which has been nice."
One of the most exciting aspects of this adaptation is the audience interaction. "Sometimes you can hear people shouting lines," Egan explains. "It creates an atmosphere similar to Rocky Horror, where fans come dressed as their favorite characters." This lively engagement adds an unpredictable layer of fun to each performance. Skowron notes that the improvisational elements keep the experience fresh. "We often play off each other, responding to the audience's energy," he shares, emphasizing the joy of performing in a supportive ensemble cast.
The actors also touched on the camaraderie. "It's been great. It's so much fun when you find the pocket of comedy," Egan says. "The show's pacing shifts depending on audience reactions, creating a unique experience each night." Skowron shared in the enthusiasm. "I'm going to remember how much fun we're having," Skowron says. "It's a terrific cast, and the audience truly enjoys it."
As the curtain rises at Popejoy Hall, audiences can anticipate a blend of classic lines from the film and fresh interpretations that pay homage to the original while injecting new energy. "We want people to leave laughing and smiling," Skowron states. "It's all about bringing joy to the audience."
Whether you're a longtime fan of Clue or new to the story, this production promises an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, suspense, and a dash of mystery. Don't miss your chance to experience the excitement—grab your tickets now for Clue at Popejoy Hall and prepare for a night filled with laughter, mystery, and a nostalgic nod to the iconic film!
Clue runs from November 6-10. For tickets, visit PopejoyPresents.com.
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