Parts of Downtown have been turned into a crime scene investigation this summer, but it’s all in good fun.
“Clue: A Walking Mystery,” an interactive mystery game taking place until Labor Day, is a cross between an escape room and a scavenger hunt. It maintains the basic premise of the classic board game: Somewhere in his mansion, Mr. Boddy has been murdered with a household tool by one of his colorfully named dinner guests, and the players must determine who, how and where.
The twist? It’s 25 years later and pieces of furniture have been removed from the mansion, with evidence intact, and placed at various locations Downtown, all conveniently within a half-mile of one another.
Armed with an auction catalog and a map, players — descendants of the original six suspects — must track the pieces down and solve puzzles to uncover clues hidden inside.
Stops include Magnolia Bakery, 108 N. State St., Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse, 33 W. Kinzie St., the LondonHouse hotel, 85 E. Wacker Dr., and Barbara’s Bookstore in the basement of Macy’s (111 N. State St.)
“Clue: A Walking Mystery” was born in Los Angeles during the pandemic when Right Angle was trying to figure out ways to keep its employees employed. The theatrical and concert events the company usually produced were out of the question, but they thought an interactive outdoor walking tour might be a solution.
Hasbro, the manufacturer of “Clue,” granted the rights to the game and “a new world opened up,” said Hammonds.
When the producers decided to move the game to Chicago, most COVID restrictions had been lifted, which allowed them to hide clues indoors and be less constrained by bad weather.
Hammonds said the most challenging part of setting up the game was not the puzzles themselves (created by L.A. company Wild Optimists) or dealing with Hasbro, but finding locations for the clues.
Each spot needed to remain open during the game’s operating hours, equipped to handle up to 30 amateur detectives blundering through every 20 minutes. The locations also needed to have what Hammonds called “a ‘Clue’ vibe” — that is, wood paneling.
Right Angle provided the clues and the furniture, most of it purchased by Hammonds through Facebook Marketplace.
When Hammonds began cold-calling businesses in and around the Loop, he was surprised to find that many were happy to be involved after he said the words “Clue” and “Hasbro.” It wasn’t just the chance to participate in one of the world’s most beloved murder mysteries; it was also an opportunity for businesses to attract customers.
The game isn’t timed and is essentially noncompetitive — the goal is to solve the mystery, not necessarily to beat the other teams — so players have a chance to, say, stop for a cheeseburger at the Billy Goat Tavern, 430 N. Michigan Ave., lower level, or have a drink at the bar at the Staypineapple Hotel, 1 W. Washington St.
Hammonds estimates a full game should take about three hours, though with meal breaks, it can last as long as five.
If the game proves popular, Right Angle plans to extend its run beyond Labor Day. Hammond said the company is already scouting other locations in other cities, though they don’t plan on switching games.
Clue: A Walking Mystery runs until Labor Day, Sept. 3. The game starts at 5 p.m. every day except Monday at Block 37, 108 N. State St., near the Starbucks on the lower level.
Tickets are $35 and you have to pick your team color (Peacock, Plum, Scarlett, etc.) when you reserve your spot, with a maximum of five members per team. Children are welcome, but it’s recommended that they are at least 8 years old to play the game.
