Students featured in Octorara Junior-Senior High School's fall play, "Clue," which will be staged on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 19 and 20, at 7 p.m., are not only familiar with the board game and the movie, but many cast members say the popular whodunit is one of their favorites.

"It was my favorite game as a kid. We played it at every family holiday gathering," said Maddie French, who will portray Miss Scarlet. "My favorite was Miss Scarlet, and I had to play her."

"I had watched the movie many years ago and played the game a lot; my family (had) a lot of fun with it," said Natalie Robinson, who will play Ms. Green.

"'Clue' was my comfort movie," added Serenity Shoemaker, who will portray Yvette. "I knew (the lines) by heart, which is why I could do the French accent for Yvette."

Based on the 1985 Paramount movie, which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, "Clue" is set at a dinner party held in a remote mansion on a dark and stormy night. After the host of the dinner party turns up dead, all six of the guests - Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Ms. Green, Mrs. Peacock and Colonel Mustard - become suspects. Along with the butler Wadsworth, everyone teams up to find the killer while the body count continues to rise.

The cast members reported that a record number of students showed up to audition for "Clue" because although the musical "Grease" was staged last spring, the fall play was not held in 2020.

"There was a lot of interest because we could not do (the play) last year because of COVID. A lot of kids were excited to go back to something that is normal for high school," said Serenity, "and it's 'Clue.' Who does not want to be in a murder mystery?"

"Clue" was chosen by director Jennifer John, Octorara English and theater teacher. "'Clue,' the stage play, had only been written and released two years ago, so it's a fairly new stage play," she noted.

John noted that the students will perform on stage wearing masks. "We will add microphones that we have not used before (for the fall play). They wore (Rydell High School masks) last year for 'Grease,'" she said. "They are pros (at wearing masks). We are so used to the masks because we have to wear masks in school all day long."

"The (students) are excited to have something to do again," she added. "They have positive energy and are excited to be here."

In addition to those already mentioned, featured characters include Kailyn Nuse as Wadsworth, Olivia McClay as Mrs. Peacock, Taylor Strayer as Mrs. White, Mac Eberhardt as Colonel Mustard and Alex Yelovich as Professor Plum. The cast also includes Cora Stoffel, cook; Curtis McCawley, motorist; Alizabeth Hughes, auxiliary Scarlet; Paige Linnenbaugh, dancing telegram; Kieran Lomboy, Mr. Boddy; Gavin Preising, cop; Logan Prokay, auxiliary Mustard; and Shelby Kittlitz, reporter. The agents will be played by Grant Moore, Nicole Budzik, Callie Manley, Lyla Elboubkri, Emily Zimny, Isabella Delise, Georgia Moore, Melanie Witte and Elizabeth Murphy.

Octorara Junior-Senior High School is located at 228 Highland Road, Atglen. Tickets will be sold at the door.