Philadelphia is about to become the scene of a real-life whodunit.
This summer, 'CLUE: A Walking Mystery' transforms the city into a giant interactive game board, inviting participants to step inside the world of the beloved Clue franchise and solve the decades-old murder of the elusive Mr. Boddy.
The adventure begins at Ensemble Arts Philly’s Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, where players assume the role of detectives and set off on a self-guided investigation. Pieces of the iconic mansion have been scattered throughout Philadelphia, where players will work at their own pace to solve the crime.
Along the way, they'll follow clues hidden at nine local landmarks and businesses, piecing together evidence, uncovering secrets and tracking suspects as they work to crack the case.
Originally developed during the pandemic as an outdoor experiment by Right Angle Entertainment, “CLUE: A Walking Mystery” has evolved into a city-spanning adventure that blends theater, puzzle-solving, and exploration.
Below, Executive Producer Kevin Hammonds, and Sophie Grimm — the original Butler from the Chicago run, who has since served as company manager for every Chicago production — discuss the origins of the project, the rise of immersive entertainment, and what makes Philadelphia the perfect setting for this one-of-a-kind experience.
Hammonds: During Covid, Right Angle Entertainment was looking for ways to keep their team employed and started thinking outside of the box. So, they created a few outdoor experiences, one being an outdoor version of 'CLUE.' They did an initial run in Los Angeles, but once the world opened up again, they realized they were onto something special, so they brought on the game designers, The Wild Optimists, to create the innovative version we have today.
Hammonds: Audiences love immersive experiences because it takes them out of their passive seats and puts them in the middle of a one-of-a-kind experience. When I’m producing an immersive experience, I look for those moments where audience members will say, “This is so cool! I can’t wait to tell my friend or co-worker about this! I can’t believe I’m experiencing this!”
It’s those wow moments that give players a thrill that goes beyond what you see in front of you, because it’s happening around you. Audiences love having agency in their entertainment — be it playing a video game or voting on your favorite contestant on a TV talent competition. Whenever audiences are part of the action instead of observing it, it’s a thrill that you cannot get anywhere else.
Hammonds: Philadelphia becomes a part of the story because the furniture from nine rooms has been auctioned off and scattered throughout the downtown area. We are working with local businesses that will house furniture pieces and will see players coming in and out of their establishments throughout the run. This gives the community a great opportunity to be a part of an exciting new theatrical experience. The participating businesses are encouraged to offer special discounts for the players. 'CLUE: A Walking Mystery' is not a timed race or a contest, so players are encouraged to take their time and enjoy each business they encounter. Stop and have lunch, enjoy a drink or a snack. It’s a great way to combine art and commerce in the most entertaining way.
Hammonds: When audiences arrive, they are greeted by a team of Butlers who act as their guide of sorts, giving them all the information and tools needed to play the game. The Butlers inform them that the murder from many years ago was never solved; furniture from each of the famous nine rooms (on the game board) have been scattered throughout downtown Philadelphia and the guests must visit nine local businesses that now house said furniture. Within each piece of furniture is a puzzle. Solving the puzzle results in information that will aid them in solving the cold case. Once players have visited all nine businesses and solved all nine puzzles, they return to the Butlers to make their accusation.
Grimm: The most exciting thing for me to see in 'CLUE’s growth is the fact that this is something lovers of 'CLUE' relish in deeply. Every time I work with new Butlers and guests who love 'CLUE', this warms and delights them to the core. I’m so grateful to keep the pastime alive in such a fresh and creative way. It’s a total blast for everyone involved.
Hammonds: The Wild Optimists took great care in working out balance and storytelling, making sure that each piece of furniture held a bit of information, but keeping in mind that certain information needed to be doled out in a very particular order. Players need to visit certain rooms before they can visit others to make sure the secrets are revealed at the proper time.
As a producer, it’s particularly challenging because you must find businesses that can accommodate a piece of furniture and up to 30 people every half an hour coming in and out of your establishment. And of course, you can’t have guests walking too far. It is called a 'Walking Mystery,' but we can’t exhaust our guests. It’s a very fine balance that must be crafted very carefully.
Hammonds: 'CLUE: A Walking Mystery' is a new and innovative way to spend time with friends and family while solving fun puzzles and getting to know Philadelphia on a completely different level. Parents come to enjoy the nostalgic thrill of playing one of their favorite games and they love introducing it to their children in an exciting form. Time and again, we see children show up with their parents with a sneer on their face and an eyeroll at every turn. It’s very clear, they have been dragged there against their will. But every time, when they return to make their accusation, the same child is buzzing with excitement and 100% on-board.
It’s so satisfying to see. It’s also perfect for friends, co-workers, and dates. It’s like an escape room that’s broken up into nine different locations. Some people like the idea of an escape room, but hate the idea of being locked inside a room for an hour. This has the thrills and puzzles of an escape room, but stretched out across the historic and beautiful city of Philadelphia.
“CLUE: A Walking Mystery” runs from Thursday, June 11 to Sunday, July 5. Tickets can be purchased online, by calling 215-893-1999, or in person at the Academy of Music Box Office (240 S. Broad Street). For information, visit ensembleartsphilly.org.
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