M
onopoly Lifesized, a production now playing at Charlotte's Blume Studios, brings the classic board game to life in an immersive and entertaining way. The show has already been a hit in London since 2021, and its extended run in Charlotte proves that it can be fun for the whole family.

    As I watched the game unfold, I noticed that the audience was divided into four teams before the start of play. My team, "the Irons," consisted of four young boys aged 8-9 and their father, who played a charismatic role as adult chaperone. The team members referred to me as "Mister Zach" with an old-fashioned courtesy that's refreshing to see.

    To make the game work on stage, the adapters have simplified the rules and gameplay time. The board is reduced to one property per color, giving teams an instant monopoly and allowing them to build on their next turn. Gameplay is limited to one hour, after which the team with the highest net worth wins.

    The challenges that teams face when trying to acquire properties are exciting and varied. For example, landing on Park Place requires completing a thrilling time-limited challenge. However, our team's first challenge ended in disaster due to our inability to resist pressing random buttons.

    Despite this setback, we were aided by the enthusiasm of our token guide, Madame Gascar, who kept the game running smoothly alongside other actors with character names like "Madame Gascar." Our team captain, Tyler Austin Calhoun III, took charge and led us to victory through a combination of luck and shrewd decision-making.

    As we accumulated wealth and properties, it became clear that even the most unlikely teams can succeed in Monopoly Lifesized. The show's message is a lighthearted take on the promise of capitalism: with a little luck and help from others, anyone can become a master of their universe.