C.L.U.E. - Collide Theatrical Dance Company

Collide Theatrical Dance Company is a joy to have as part of the Twin Cities Performance Community. I first saw them back in 2016 in a production of Dracula, and I loved it. Then my life got busy, and I kept missing out. However, I just saw opening night of C.L.U.E. at the Southern Theatre and loved it!

Based on the classic board game, C.L.U.E. (and that spelling is intentional, which you will find out when you see the show) is the story of Mr Bottie who is hosting a dinner party at his mansion. During the dinner party, people are killed - yes, multiple people. Mr Bottie played by Nathan Huberty is the host of the evening...literally. He welcomes the audience to the show, and pulls one audience member down to pick three cards - a person, a place, and a weapon. These cards are put into an envelope and kept on stage through out the evening. During the first act, we see him interact and introduce us to the rest of the characters. We have the ensemble playing maids, as well as other roles - Elayna Sitzman, Bella West, Johanna Engebretson, and Sarah Potvin. They are led by the lead maid Giselle (Megan Carver), and the butler Codsworth (Noah Coon). Coming into the dinner party are the invited guests, and this is how they are listed in the program: Ms. Spyder - The Black Widow (Heather Brockman), Rose Charlotte - The Starlet (Renee Guittar) along with her dog Tofu, and Mr. Green - The Politician (Patrick Jeffrey). Each of the named characters has beef of some sort with Mr. Bottie. They all have motive, and as Bottie introduces us to them, we see their backstory play out on stage, and we see what their motivation might be. At the end of Act One, there are dead bodies on the stage (including Mr. Bottie) and we the audience are asked to scan a QR code, or fill out a paper ballot and let the company know who we think did it, where they did it, and what weapon was used. Act Two brings the resolution, and shows us what the audience thought, what the cards thought, and what actually happened. This is a fantastic way to tell a fun story, and also get the audience involved, and keep them entertained. It is also a slight homage, I think, to the film which has multiple endings as well.

Alexis Lund Photography

Here is what makes this show different. Beyond some spoken introductions to the characters, and some limited dialogue, all of this story is told through dance. Directed, choreographed, and written by Regina Peluso the story is clear and concise. More than that, it is super fun! Each character gets their moment to shine, and wow do they shine. Since each performer had their moment in the spotlight, yet were telling their own backstories you get a great opportunity to see the skill set of the dancers. Personally I was struck by the addition of tap dance by Noah Coon as Codsworth. His beats were strong and the rhythms were well sounded, and amazing to watch. The majority of the choreo is a mix of jazz and traditional ballet. The dancing was fantastic, and the height on some of the leaps were stunning. I noticed this mainly with Nathan Huberty as Bottie. Honestly though, the lines and movement, and the way the music was selected to help tell the story, and mixed - it was truly an enjoyable evening. They play through March 10 so go see something new and exciting! Most of all, with the losing of the Cowles Center, go support some local dance!