Lots of performers step in front of the audience intending to “knock ‘em dead.” Between a candlestick, wrench, lead pipe, and more, Clue: On Stage actors Jennifer and Jon Hart are certain to do so.

For the married couple, performing on Clue: On Stage is a dream come true and a “full circle moment,” says Jennifer. “Our love of Clue was one of the first conversations we had when we first started dating. We talked about the movie and the game for hours and 20 years later, we’re still married! We’ve always shared a connection with Clue, so when we found our TNP was doing Clue, we wanted to audition. We were both freaking out when we got in.”

“This is the first time we’re performing together, and it’s really interesting! It has added a nice layer to our relationship. It’s our ‘us’ time.”

Jon came out of a long acting hiatus to share this first-time moment with his wife. “We’ve always shared a passion for Clue, so I was like, ‘Let me come out of acting retirement.’ We didn’t know at the time how great of a show or cast it would be. I was so excited for Jen to be back on stage again, and to get back on stage. I was a film and television major in college, so I had to study acting from that perspective – writing and directing, understanding the motivation for actors. But, I’ve always had an interest in performing. It has been great performing again,” says Jon.

Jennifer and Jon first found TNP by having their kids train in the KidzAct program. “We were just proud parents and audience members for many years,” Jennifer recalls. “We were super big fans after years of watching amazing productions and have always been impressed by the quality of shows. I was a theater and dance major in college. Like many people, I went in a different direction professionally and stopped acting. My first show since school was The Dining Room in the fall. When we were both cast in Clue, there was some major cheering in our household. Our kids were so excited for us. We’ve turned them into big fans of Clue as well.”

The couple’s love of the movie and board game has fueled their passion for the play. “I think what made the movie so great is that it is like a play. That’s part of what makes it such a great show – the repartee between the actors and the pacing of the line delivery,” says Jon. “It’s a lot like a musical in some ways because it’s very choreographed and active. It’s a high-energy, fun ride and people are going to be laughing while trying to figure out who’s the murderer.”

Jennifer adds, “It’s a fast-paced comedy that’s very physical. It’s a great, interactive story that’s very well-staged and unique. It’s a true ensemble piece – certainly, there are some primary characters, everyone’s movie and game favorites, but there are so many different characters added into the equation as well. It’s family-friendly, and there are references for everyone; board game, film, and mystery lovers alike. The script and directing lend themselves well to die-hard fans of Clue and people who aren’t familiar with it.

For both Jennifer and Jon, their favorite part of the process has been, in Jennifer’s words, the “thrilling rehearsal process. Everyone’s so funny and generous with their acting. James Duggan is a great director who knows comedy. Everyone’s bringing something unique to these classic characters, and everyone’s willing to play, which is a lot of fun.”

“This is a massive learning opportunity getting to be on stage with so many seasoned pros with such long acting resumes,” says Jon. “Just getting the chance to hang out with and learn from them has allowed me to bring my A-game.”

“I know everyone says this,” states Jennifer, “ but TNP really is a community. I’ve been so amazed by how professional and dedicated everyone is – from the people on stage to the creative team to the crew, designers, and production team. It’s very Broadway-caliber work being brought to this Naples community, and it’s a blessing. It’s one of the highlights of why people love this town.” Jon adds, “We’ve lived in many different places over the last 25+ years and have had exposure to a lot of community theaters and TNP is by far number one. We’re very fortunate to have access to this community and get to experience this.”

From May 1 – 19, 2024, Clue: On Stage will be TNP’s final offsite production before TNP moves back home to their newly renovated theater on 5th Avenue South.

“No one is more excited than our daughter, Kizzie, for the grand reopening on Fifth,” says Jon. “She thinks the main theater is named after her, and who are we to tell her otherwise?”

Season tickets for TNP’s 71st Season in historic downtown Naples are on sale now. Performances of Clue: On Stage are Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm. General tickets are $49, and season ticket holders are offered a price of $39. Those interested can visit NaplesPlayers.org anytime or call the TNP Box Office at (239) 263-7990.