Directed by Jennifer Uher and produced by Karyn Clemons, the production features 11 cast members supported by a stage crew and a sound-and-lighting team of about 10 students. It will be performed in MVL’s newly remodeled Fine Arts Center — the same venue that hosted last spring’s musical “Newsies.”

“We’ve been looking forward to doing a murder mystery for a while,” Uher said. “They’re always fun — and ‘Clue’ is so popular. I used to play the game when I was little, so I’ve always had a connection with it. It’s just a super fun show, and the kids are really excited.”

Rehearsals have been lively as students juggle schoolwork and stage time. “It’s an extremely crazy time right now,” Uher said with a laugh. “But the energy and excitement from the cast make it all worth it. That last week and a half when everything clicks is the best part.”

Producer Karyn Clemons said the most rewarding part of this year’s production has been watching students step into bigger roles.

The cast of Minnesota Valley Lutheran’s fall production of “Clue.” L to R: Savanna Sweely as Singing telegram girl, Will Kerkow as Wadsworth, Maddie Meitner as Yvette, Paige Berg as Mrs. White, Liz Halvorson as Mrs. Peacock, Abraham Selvey as Prof. Plum, Ezra Spike as Mr. Green, Oliver Nelson as Cop, Judah Geunther as Motorist and Lucy Hines as Miss Scarlet. Henry Manthe (not in photo) plays Col. Mustard. Photo by Amy Zents

“It’s a different group this year than we’ve had in other years,” Clemons said. “Seeing some of the kids who’ve been in the background take on larger roles and develop as characters — that’s been really fun.”

She added that the cast often surprises the staff during rehearsals. “Anytime they deliver a line we’ve heard over and over again in a new way — and it’s just that much funnier — that’s always a treat.”

The production features a student-run tech crew managing lights, music cues, sound effects and props. Classic thunderclaps, creaking doors and timed spotlights help create the atmosphere of a classic mansion mystery.

“Getting the timing right on the lights and sound effects is a huge part of the comedy,” Uher said. “It adds that extra layer that makes the show really pop.”

Clemons noted that there’s plenty happening offstage the audience never sees. “There’s a lot of scrambling to make sure props are where they need to be, that actors have what they need, that the right door is coming on at the right time,” she said. “We heat up food so it’s ready to go on stage, find a good beverage that mimics wine or champagne, and then we’re doing the dishes afterward. There’s just a lot of work that goes into these shows.”

Everyone in MVL’s production of “Clue” is shocked when another victim drops. L to R: Liz Halvorson as Mrs. Peacock, Lucy Hines as Miss Scarlet, Maddie Meitner as Yvette, Abraham Selvey as Prof. Plum, Paige Berg as Mrs. White, Ezra Spike as Mr. Green, Will Kerkow as Wadsworth, Oliver Nelson as Cop and Judah Geunther (on ground) as Motorist. Photo by Amy Zents

The new Fine Arts Center, formerly the school’s auxiliary gym, has transformed the performance experience. “This used to be our old gym,” Uher said. “When the new field house was built, we were able to convert this space into a fine arts area. The seats push back, and it’s completely transformed.”

Clemons said the remodeled space has improved the rehearsal process. “We’ve been able to practice with this set for at least two to three weeks longer than we could when we were renting space,” she said. “Being able to do this on site has been amazing. We have a lot of room in the back, so we can spread out — and it’s pretty comfortable. It just feels nice to be here. The convenience of being on our own campus has been really wonderful.”

She also praised Uher’s leadership and dedication to the program. “She works so hard at this. It’s tremendous — the amount of time and energy she gives to the show year after year,” Clemons said. “She always has so much love for the students, and it’s great to work with her because of that. We all love the kids, and we want them to have an amazing time doing it.”

Clemons said the cast will be ready when opening night arrives. “We have a lot of work to do between now and then,” she said. “But when opening night happens, we’ll be ready — and it’s going to be really funny.”

Tickets are available at the door: $7 for adults and $5 for students (K-12).

A chandelier falls towards Mr. Green, played by Ezra Spike, during a dramatic scene in MVL’s production of “Clue.” L to R: Maddie Meitner as Yvette, Will Kerkow as Wadsworth, Ezra Spike as Mr. Green, Paige Berg as Mrs. White and Abraham Selvey as Prof. Plum. Photo by Clay Schuldt

The cast of Minnesota Valley Lutheran’s fall musical “Clue” rehearses a scene in which they cannot get into the Lounge. From left to right: Maddie Meitner as Yvette, Abraham Selvey as Prof. Plum, Paige Berg as Mrs. White, Liz Halvorson as Mrs. Peacock, Ezra Spike as Mr. Green and Will Kerkow as Wadsworth. Photo by Clay Schuldt

The cast of MVL’s fall play “Clue” gathers around Ezra Spike, playing Mr. Green, who was just hit by a chandelier. Maddie Meitner as Yvette, Paige Berg as Mrs. White, Will Kerkow as Wadsworth, Ezra Spike as Mr. Green on the ground, Abraham Selvey as Prof. Plum lifting the chandelier and Liz Halvorson as Mrs. Peacock. Photo by Clay Schuldt