Television and stage actress Michelle Elaine stars as Miss Scarlet in the Ahmanson Theatre production of “Clue,” beginning July 30.
“Clue” is based on the iconic Hasbro board game and the 1985 black-comedy film adaptation. It is about a colorful group of characters who are all suspects in a murder at a mansion.
Elaine’s character, Miss Scarlet, has traditionally been imagined as Caucasian in the board game and in the film as portrayed by actress Lesley Ann Warren. However, over the years the character has taken on many evolutions — from madam to spy to fortune hunter to actress, and more.
She’s been brunette, she’s been a blonde, white, Asian, and, more recently, Black. Elaine’s version is a Southern African American madam.
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True to her iteration of Miss Scarlet, Elaine was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She expressed a desire to pursue the theatre to her mother, who enrolled Elaine into performing arts schools and summer arts programs.
Elaine said she also participated in high school theatre, then majored in drama at Howard University. Going to a place like Howard was eye-opening for Elaine.
“Having gone to Howard with somebody like Debbie Allen, Taraji P. Henson, and Anthony Anderson – all of these like greats coming before you – it was very business,” said Elaine. “I remember being there the first day and everybody was sharing their resumes.”
Elaine also remembered Howard professors constantly reminding students about the school’s historic and cultural importance, so she took her classes very seriously.
“I loved being at an HBCU. I loved learning about the craft and learning about myself as an artist with Black folks,” said Elaine.
She said that like with any theatre program, it was challenging but also rewarding. “It gives me a certain pride and responsibility,” said Elaine.
Subsequently, Elaine has appeared in many stage productions, including two of her favorites “Clyde’s” and “Sweat.”
In addition to her work on stage, Elaine also appeared in the period drama TV show “The Underground.” Elaine also cowrites, produces, and stars in a YouTube web series called “Cast Me Dammit,” which centers around a Black actress struggling to find work.
Today, when it comes to “Clue,” Elaine reminisced back to seeing the 1985 film and loving it. “I remembered seeing that movie over and over again,” she said.
“I hadn’t really known there was a board game until like 2013, and I played it with my in-laws in L.A., and I had absolutely no idea what I was doing,” Elaine shared. “I still don’t know how to play that game.”
Elaine said she auditioned for a 2022 Alley Theatre production of “Clue,” but that production was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. “When they were producing it again, they [the producers] asked me to do the role,” said Elaine.
Elaine is in love with “Clue” because she finds the play ridiculously funny.
“As an actor on the stage… as much fun as the audience is having, we’re having on stage,” said Elaine.
“It’s always nice to go to work and feel like I can’t keep from laughing, laughing at what my castmates are doing, and also trying to make them laugh.”
For more information on the Ahmanson Theatre production of “Clue,” visit https://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/ahmanson-theatre/2023-24/clue/.
