Indy Drag Theatre (IDT) produced its first parody play over the last two weekends, and it was fantastic.
“Clue: A Drag Parody” was a vibrant, hilarious and sometimes unserious spin on an already satirical cult classic detective drama. Based on the 1985 film, IDT’s drag parody of “Clue” followed six colorful strangers in an absurd whodunnit-style dinner party filled with secrets, blackmail and murder.
Directed by Vera Vanderwoude St. Clair with choreography from April Rosé, “Clue: A Drag Parody” was onstage at the District Theatre Aug. 1-3 and 7-10.
If you caught one of the showings of “Clue: A Drag Parody,” I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. If you didn’t, well, here’s what you missed.
Founded by Blair St. Clair and Rosé in 2022, IDT announced the organization’s nonprofit status in 2025. IDT productions are works of satire and often “fuse a variety of source materials together to create a unique script” or “parody” in accordance with the First Amendment, according to IDT.
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While IDT has a history of drag parody musicals, incorporating humor alongside moments of heart, tragedy and realism, “Clue” marked the theatre’s play debut.
“Clue: A Drag Parody” was everything I expected and more. The exceptionally entertaining cast of drag artists lip synched to the original film with the addition of spontaneous dance numbers, niche pop culture references, sound effects, iconic memes and Vines and an actual Scooby-Doo montage.
The entire production was colorful and vibrant — from the set to the costumes, makeup, lighting, props, etc. “Clue: A Drag Parody” was exciting to look at. Color is a recurring theme throughout the show, especially pertaining to each of the characters, and all the different ways those colors were incorporated throughout the set and blended with other pop culture references was such a treat.
The set itself was also just plain impressive. Designed by Miss Kay-Ottic, the sheer amount of use all the set pieces, large props and doors got — whether through character movement, scene changes or rigging was endlessly entertaining.
It helped that there was always so much going on onstage to keep the audience occupied, but those were some of the smoothest scene changes I’ve ever seen.
Costume designer Anthony Sirk and makeup designer Ciera Myst outdid themselves for this production. The costumes for a show like “Clue” are usually self-explanatory, given the recurring color themes. But of course IDT went a step beyond, with each character stepping out in an over-the-top, vibrant, glittery and elegantly tailored outfit, with equally dramatic and inspired makeup looks and wigs.
“Clue: A Drag Parody” features a cast of big personalities — from Wadsworth (Joe Wagner) to Yvette (Madison Avenue) to Miss Scarlet (Maria Fruit), Mrs. Peacock (Brentlee Bich), Mrs. White (St. Pussifer), Colonel Mustard (Maurice Mantini), Professor Plum (Freddie Fatale) and every single ensemble member (Dottie B. Minerva, Natalie Port-Ma’am, Gayle Thyme, Calyko Magick-Waffle and Nicole Sherlock).
With a stacked cast like that, you’d think it’d be overwhelming, and it is, in such a delightful way. Everyone on stage gets their moment to shine — even in death — and even being familiar with the original “Clue,” I had no idea what anyone’s next move might be.
“Clue” is not easy to do onstage. There is so much running, choreographed movement, prop use and physical comedy in this show, with the incorporated elements of drag — it all came across incredibly well.
And we got all three endings!
The jokes landed hard, the satire was tangible and the intentional delivery of some of the harder-hitting, profound moments didn’t go unnoticed. There was heart in the hilarity, which makes shows like this one so integral to the arts.
Also, a giant glittery gun that consistently changes hands unnoticed is just funny.
I appreciate the entertainment value of the show and admire the creativity and talent that goes into pulling something like this off, but I truly can’t express how much fun I had sitting in the audience.
“Clue: A Drag Parody” has ended its run, but the good news is IDT has already announced its full season. If you missed this show, make sure to catch the next one. I heard it will be a drag parody of “Frozen.”
To learn more about Indy Drag Theatre or stay up to date with audition information and upcoming productions, visit indydragtheatre.org.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
