Backstage with Teddy Trice from 'Clue'

Everybody loves a good mystery. Whether it’s the existence of Bigfoot, suspicious drones flying around or the renewed interest in an unsolved murder from years past, people are always looking for a puzzle to solve. Well Broadway in Austin is bringing an exciting mystery to Bass Concert Hall as the touring production of Clue takes the stage from January 14 to January 19.

I was fortunate to speak with Teddy Trice from the cast to get the inside scoop on the show and what Austin audiences should expect. Trice grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, where he started performing in middle school. His passion for performing arts persisted, and landed him at Drury University, where he would earn his degree in theatre. Trice eventually got his big break when he took the offer to act in The Book of Mormon in Australia.

“Coming from the Midwest, learning that I was going to be traveling overseas and I'd never traveled internationally before,” he recalled. “It was an exciting opportunity, but also pretty daunting at the same time. But when you feel like you're meant for something, then you sort of just tackle it head on. Every time I feel like I jump into something that I feel like is going to be a challenge, I know that's where the most growth opportunities happen. That's how I felt in every kind of transition of my career so far, and I just feel really grateful to have had those experiences.”

Based on the screenplay by Jonathin Lynn and written by Sandy Rustin, Clue touts itself as the ultimate whodunit. The Clue franchise began in 1949 with the manufacture of the ‘Cluedo’ board game. Currently owned and published by Hasbro, the game has since sold more than 200 million copies worldwide.  A murder-mystery comedy film by Paramount Pictures based on the board game was released in 1985 and went on to achieve cult classic status with a passionate fanbase. This touring production has been on the road for nearly a year, traveling across the country keeping audiences guessing. Trice is currently taking the stage as the Cop.

“it's a fast-paced, uh, murder, mystery, comedy,” he explained. “I’m coming in after I get a tip about an abandoned car by the mansion. I go to check to see what's going on, and get taken in by all the insanity that ensues as all the suspects try to cover their tracks. I come in at probably the most chaotic point of the show —so it's a riot.”

Austin audiences are in for a change of pace with Clue, given the lack of song and dance that Broadway in Austin is famous for. Trice had to adjust to this striking difference as well, but he assured that the show is just as fun for everyone.

“I've done a lot of musical theater and that's where a lot of my work has been. This is definitely different in the sense that it's a straight play,” Trice added. “I come in halfway through the show, and so I'm very used to kicking things off in a show. So the challenge is trying to balance my energy while everybody else gets a head start. I'm coming in while everybody has been running around. That's a challenge, to come in and be as present and alive as possible.”

Though he may be a bit biased on the matter, Trice believes that Clue is perfect for those of us who love a good mystery.

“I would say, if you're a fan of slapstick, sort of farcical, physical comedies, and witty, sharp writing, I think it's gonna be right up your alley,” Trice explained. “It's 90 minutes with no intermission, so once we start, we're on a full speeding train. It's an ensemble piece, so you're gonna be able to attach yourself to a lot of different characters, and it's a classic murder mystery. So if you enjoy trying to solve it before you get to the end, I think it’s gonna be right up your alley.”

Clue will be at Bass Concert Hall from January 14 to January 19, 2025. Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased at BroadwayinAustin.com. Teddy Trice can be found on all socials @TeddyTrice