Spotlight: Clue

Spotlight: Clue: High School Edition | Regis Jesuit High School | Aurora, CO | Curtain Up! | Eric Fitzgerald

Walking into the Regis Jesuit Z Theatre at Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora, Colorado, for one of the production’s four performances of Clue, I expected a spirited high school show; what I encountered instead was a level of craft and confidence that surprised me in the best way. Under the sure-handed direction of Mr. Brian Merz‑Hutchinson—whose work I’ve admired in several area productions, where he is a compelling actor—the students delivered a mystery‑comedy with timing, polish, and theatrical savvy that would be impressive in any context, let alone one led by young artists still honing their craft.

What struck me almost immediately was the atmosphere in the building: that unmistakable mix of nerves, pride, and anticipation that only a high school theatre production can conjure. Parents, siblings, classmates, and teachers filled the lobby with an energy that felt both celebratory and deeply supportive. And as I found my seat, I realized how much I love these moments—when a community gathers not out of obligation, but out of real excitement to see what their young artists have created.

Clue is not an easy choice even for the most professional groups. Once the show began, what delighted me most was how fully these students embraced the play’s blend of mystery and farce. Their comic timing was sharp, their physicality committed, and their sense of ensemble unmistakable; you could feel how much fun they were having with one another onstage.

The design work added its own layer of surprise. The multi‑level set functioned almost like a theatrical jigsaw puzzle—movable pieces gliding into place to form the various rooms and corridors of Boddy Manor with a precision that felt both clever and genuinely satisfying to watch. The lighting design elevated those transitions even further, with cues that sharpened the mood, guided the eye, and gave each location its own subtle character. Every shift—of scenery, of light, of focus—was executed with such coordination that it became part of the show’s rhythm, a visual reminder of how much thought and teamwork went into building this world. It was a thrill to see young artists take such clear ownership of the material, meeting the demands of the piece with creativity, confidence, and an infectious sense of play.

Walking out of the theatre, I found myself genuinely moved by what these students had accomplished with their production of Clue. Performances like this remind me why I care so deeply about theatre and the communities that sustain it: the work exists only for a moment, but pride, the collaboration, and the sense of possibility linger.

There were far too many students involved—onstage, backstage, and all around—to name each one here, but I want to recognize the senior class of 2026, whose work helped bring this production to life. Their leadership and dedication shone throughout the performance. The talented group includes Amauri Asobo, Arthur Bordonosov, Sadie Briden, Elijah Chick-Jones, Kelan Farrell, Sophia Hartsfield, Parker Hogan, John Charles Houlihan, Connor Kelly, Nikolette Kersting, Ari Kleinberg, Oliver Mohr, Ana Karen Palacios De Casso, Clarie Staton, Jessica Webster, Lane Wegher, Daniel Westergren, Luke Zimbelman, and Ayla Zuick. Hats off to each of them, both onstage and backstage. And a special thank you to Beckett May’s mom, Julie, who welcomed me to the school and to their outstanding production of Clue.

Upcoming events include: a student-written and directed play on May 8 & 9, and the end-of-year theatre banquet on May 14. I know I am looking forward to Regis Jesuit High School productions during the next school year.

Kudos to all!