Introduction to the Game
Fancy the idea of traipsing around downtown Fort Lauderdale solving a murder case colder than the Florida Panthers arena? Now wannabe sleuths can with “Clue: A Walking Mystery,” an immersive big-city version of the iconic whodunit, which will leap from its board-game trappings onto Las Olas Boulevard from March 20 to April 6.
The Game Concept
During the family-friendly scavenger hunt, players will strut downtown cosplaying as Miss Scarlett and Professor Plum, clue-hunting at nine Fort Lauderdale destinations to solve a timeworn mystery: Who killed Mr. Boddy, with what murder weapon, and where within the walls of his Tudor mansion?
A cast of costumed butlers, including actor Miguel Long, left, explain the rules to players during a recent “Clue: A Walking Mystery” stop in Chicago. (Justin Barbin for Right Angle Entertainment / Courtesy)
The Challenge
“The clues are pretty tough,” says organizer Kevin Hammonds, whose company Right Angle Entertainment produces the hunt in collaboration with toy outfit Hasbro. “You’re going from location to location and you have to solve the clues hidden in each place, and they’re not easy.” Even so Clue, an 82-year-old game predicated on murder, remains an enduring family-friendly draw after all these decades, Hammonds says.
The Rules
Naturally, the rules are slightly updated from the original 1943 board game. For one, there’s neither a board game nor dice nor murder weapons to hold (plastic or otherwise). Instead participants — the game’s detectives — are handed an “auction catalog” describing various pieces of antique furniture from Mr. Boddy’s mansion, from a grandfather clock to a Prohibition-era liquor cabinet.
The Game Locations
The game kicks off at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts’ Peck Courtyard and fans out to downtown locales including The Riverside Hotel, Stranahan House, Hoffman’s Chocolates and two restaurants, The House on the River and Emily’s Garden. At each stop, gumshoes must identify the antique, decipher the clue hidden within and methodically whittle down each suspect, setting and blunt object.
Players search for clues hidden within antique furniture during a recent “Clue: A Walking Mystery” stop in Chicago. (Justin Barbin for Right Angle Entertainment/Courtesy)
Logistics
How much walking is involved? Try 1.5 miles, Hammonds says. So maybe leave Mrs. Peacock’s heels at home. And for those who prefer “Clue: A Walking Mystery” without much of the walking, the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi and LauderGO! Community Shuttle will transport players from the Broward Center to Las Olas and back for free as part of their admission.
Fort Lauderdale and Board Games
Fort Lauderdale, for some odd reason, has become a twilight zone for board games lately. A “Monopoly: Fort Lauderdale Edition” officially released in January, after Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis and bow-tied mascot Mr. Monopoly made publicity stops around the city to promote it.
Event Details
IF YOU GO
WHAT: “Clue: A Walking Mystery”
WHEN: Teams can participate at 20-minute intervals from 5-7 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays, from March 20-April 6
WHERE: Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale
COST: Starts at $39 a person
INFORMATION: 954-462-0222; BrowardCenter.org
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Clue: A Walking Mystery" is an exciting and unique event that combines the classic board game with a real-life scavenger hunt. Participants will have the opportunity to explore downtown Fort Lauderdale while solving a murder mystery, making for a fun and memorable experience.
FAQs
Q: What is the duration of the game?
A: The game will take place from March 20 to April 6, with teams participating at 20-minute intervals.
Q: How much walking is involved?
A: The game involves approximately 1.5 miles of walking.
Q: Are there any transportation options available?
A: Yes, the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi and LauderGO! Community Shuttle will transport players from the Broward Center to Las Olas and back for free as part of their admission.
Q: What is the cost of participation?
A: The cost starts at $39 per person.
Q: Where can I find more information?
A: More information can be found by calling 954-462-0222 or visiting BrowardCenter.org.
