DC Theater Arts

Tag: Aggie Wheeler

Review: ‘The Game’s Afoot (Holmes for the Holidays)’ at Spotlighters Theatre

This weekend I had the pleasure of attending an opening weekend performance of The Game’s Afoot (Holmes for the Holidays), by Ken Ludwig at Audrey Herman Spotlighters Theatre (“Spotlighters”). Award-winning Ludwig is known for his period-piece farces – popular plays like Lend Me a Tenor and Moon Over Buffalo. He bills this funny drawing-room mystery as a “comedy thriller” and I happily approve. I love mysteries and, as Director Fuzz Roark noted in his curtain speech, we all could benefit from some lighthearted laughs after the stressful election season we’ve endured.

The Game’s Afoot is a whodunit set in December 1936. Following an attempt on his life, Broadway star William Gillette (Thom Eric Sinn) invites his cast-mates to his home to celebrate Christmas with him as he recovers. With the blessing of Arthur Conan Doyle, Gillette wrote the Sherlock Holmes play in which he has starred for decades and he has amassed quite a fortune. He used the money to build an honest-to-goodness castle on the Connecticut River, complete with secret passages, hidden rooms, and state-of-the-art gadgets like an intercom and a remote control. Impressed, one of his guests jokes, “This is where God would live if he could afford it.” This is the setting of The Game’s Afoot.

Unknown to his guests – longtime friend Felix Geisel (Tom Piccin), his wife, Madge (Ilene Chalmers), and newlyweds Simon Bright (Andrew Wilkin) and Aggie Wheeler (Kellie Podsednik) – Gillette has called them together not only to share some holiday spirit, but to ferret out the identity of the assailant who tried to kill him. To the delight of no one, neither his guests nor his mother, Martha (Penny Nichols), Gillette has also secretly invited the much-maligned Daria Chase (Melanie Bishop). A scheming theater critic who has written something dreadful about pretty much all in attendance, Daria is an unwelcome addition to the party.

True to the genre, The Game’s Afoot is full of twists and turns, misdirection and misadventure. While Gillette is busy sleuthing to solve his own mysterious attack, one of his guests falls victim to foul play and the evening becomes a double whodunit. By the time Inspector Harriet Gorring (Suzanne Hoxsey) arrives on the scene in Act II, everybody is a suspect. Even more than in the quick-moving, suspenseful Act I, the second act runs in high gear from its start after intermission until the very last scene. Wacky antics; perfectly-timed entrances and exits; characters just missing each other or appearing in unexpected places; and sharp, witty dialogue keep you guessing and make the second half of the play fly by.

Back Row – Andrew Wilkin, Kellie Podsednik, Thom Eric Sinn, Suzanne Hoxsey, and Tom Piccin. Front Row – Melanie Bishop, Penny Nichols, and Ilene Chalmers. Photo by ‪Shealyn Jae Photography‪.

Each of the actors in this production does a great job playing bold, genre-stereotype characters without coming off as a caricature. Kellie Podsednik, as the ingénue, Aggie, brings just the right balance of wide-eyed innocent and ambitious starlet. Andrew Wilkin adeptly uses body language to help define Simon Bright as a charming social climber. Particularly impressive in Wilkin’s performance was how present he was in scenes even when he was not speaking. Wilkin’s facial expressions while hearing the others talk were priceless and provide a lot of insight into his character.

Thom Eric Sinn’s performance as William Gillette was wonderful. Sinn played Gillette as bigger than life, perfectly suited for a character who is used to being the star of the show. Likewise, Tom Piccin, as Gillette’s BFF and costar Felix Giesel, was spot on. Piccin has excellent timing and delivered some of the funniest lines in the play with a pleasing, dry wit.

The creative team for this show transformed the theater into the perfect setting to let these actors shine. I can’t even imagine how many hours it took Set Designer/Scenic Artist Alan S. Zemla to put together such a detailed, meticulous set. For one, there were five doors gracing the small theater, mentally expanding the set to include a boat dock, kitchen and other rooms. In the main room, the walls were adorned with dozens of period-appropriate items one might find in a castle designed by a man whose alter-ego is the world’s most famous consulting detective. There were axes, daggers, a broadsword, knives, firearms… even a garrote. Shelves were stuffed full with knick knacks, candles, and tchotchkes. In another excellent directorial choice, when set changes were necessary, the tech who came on stage to make them was dressed in a maid’s costume.

Speaking of costumes, Costume Designer Andrew Malone did absolutely gorgeous work here. Thirties and forties society attire is so glamourous and beautiful! The gown Aggie wears upon arrival to the Gillette castle is lovely. And the dusty pink dress Daria wears is elegant and downright stunning.

I highly recommend The Game’s Afoot (Holmes for the Holidays) at Audrey Herman Spotlighters Theatre. At a time when we need it, this play is fun and funny, an energetic romp that keeps you guessing and laughing from start to finish. With great acting, an amazing set, beautiful costumes and excellent direction, The Game’s Afoot is a production you’ll be thankful you attended.

Running Time: Two hours and 30 minutes, with one intermission.

The Game’s Afoot plays through December 18, 2016, at Audrey Herman Spotlighters Theatre – 817 St. Paul Street, in Baltimore, MD. For tickets, call the box office at or purchase them online.

RATING:

November 23, 2016
‘The Game’s Afoot’ at The Little Theatre of Alexandria

Before Benedict Cumberbatch starred in the incandescent puzzle palace that is Sherlock, there was William Gillette, the definitive Sherlock Holmes of his time. Tall, lean, with the manner of a late-Victorian gentleman, Gillette was the first to wear the deerstalker hat, the first to use the curved pipe, the first to create, along with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a successful Sherlock Holmes play which ran practically forever. Gillette was a delightful eccentric, who built Gillette Castle, a bizarre and wonderful edifice which is still a tourist attraction today. Booth Tarkington famously told him, “I had rather see you play Sherlock Holmes than be a child on Christmas morning.”

Simon Bright (Joe Quinn), Felix Geisel (Chuck Leonard), William Gillette (John Henderson), Aggie Wheeler (Maureen R. Goldman), and Madge Geisel (Pam Kasenetz). Photo by Matt Litvak.

In Ken Ludwig’s The Game’s Afoot, Gillette invites the cast of his current production to the castle for the weekend. Murder ensues, naturally. And Gillette is there, using the unparalleled detective skills he polished over years of playing Sherlock to solve the crime, amid scathing put-downs, Algonquin-style witticisms, and rampant bad behavior among the theatrical set. Bad behavior being their forte, they never disappoint.

Director Frank Pasqualino has turned Ludwig’s deft farce into an evening of wicked fun, where behind every door is a body and behind every innocent face is a killer just waiting to strike. As Gillette, John Henderson is frighteningly sincere. As an actor, Gillette was part of the theatre in which heroes were meant to be worthy and heroines pure and eminently rescuable. Henderson captures this quality perfectly, with the increasing desperation of a host who knows that his party is not just unsuccessful but literally doomed.

Chuck Leonard, as Gillette’s best friend Felix Geisel, poses winningly on a chair to hide a dead body from the local Inspector (Michelle Fletcher). He is by turns a loyal friend, an indignant husband, and a determined accomplice to crime. He shines in every role. As his wife Madge, Pam Kasenetz has a vivacity and drive that inform her every moment on stage. She races around the room with enormous energy, eyes wide, spitting out the dialogue as if it were a dispatch from a war zone. She is hilarious.

As Aggie Wheeler, Maureen R. Goldman resembles a young Sarah Jessica Parker. She enacts her character with astuteness and charm, roaming around the stage with a gentle bewilderment which belies her razor-sharp grasp of the events at hand. Joe Quinn as Simon Bright is the quintessential jeune premier, full of energy, and ready for anything. As Martha Gillette, Patricia Spencer Smith is a funny and often surprising performer, at her best when showing motherly discomfort (“My son tells me nothing”), or intimidating anyone who dares to threaten the life of her child. Michelle Fletcher is droll, strikingly active, and fiercely original as Inspector Harriet Goring. Her Harriet adds greatly to the comedy of Act Two.

Daria Chase (Melissa Dunlap) is described as “ruthless…evil…a theatre critic, for God’s sake!” This is of course irresistible. She strides around the set like a demented Katharine Hepburn. In this case, the calla lilies will not bloom again; in fact, it is fairly certain that they will not bloom at all. Dunlap makes Daria as nasty as they come; vain, sensual, and casually cruel; but she is always, as an actress, at the top of her game. Consequently, Daria is just as comical as she is revolting.

The cast of The Game’s Afoot.’ Photo by Matt Liptak.

John Downing’s set design fits in beautifully with the tone of the play. Gillette’s castle is suitably elegant and well-appointed, and replete with hidden rooms and suspiciously ornamental weapons. Costumes by Kit Sibley and Jean Schlicting are appealing and the color palette is especially striking. The women look lovely and the men, dressed impeccably for a dinner party that never quite comes off.

Lighting Design by Liz and Nancy Owens is effective without being intrusive. Sound Design by Alan Wray is tasteful, with the use of classical music adding just the right touch. Special effects by Art Snow are excellent; as are the Property Design by Amany Ezeldin and Rebecca Sheehy, and Hair/Wigs/Makeup by Dominique Thompson.

“Elementary, my dear Watson,” is one of the most well-known expressions in the English language. In The Game’s Afoot, we are reminded of why.

Running Time: Two hours and 5 minutes, with one 15-minute intermission.

The Game’s Afoot plays through February 7, 2015 at The Little Theatre of Alexandria – 600 Wolfe Street, in Alexandria, VA. For tickets, call (703) 683-0496, or purchase them online.

RATING:

January 18, 2015
DCMTA Scene Stealers-Week Ending 9/28/14

Here are our new DCMetroTheaterArts Scene Stealers. Congrats to all our honorees.

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The Cast and Orchestra of Children of Eden Performing “The Return of the Animals” at 2nd Star Productions

‘The Return of the Animals.’ Photo by Nathan Jackson.

“True to the Biblical account, Noah is told to build and ark and to bring two of every kind of animal on board. The most delightful part of the entire show was the imaginative costume pageant of rabbits, turtles, cats, ostriches, peacocks, polar bears, giraffes, monkey, zebras, and elephants who marched from the back of the theater onto the stage to fill the ark. Animal Costume Designer Beth Starnes pulled out all the stops with original, creative animal costumes inhabited by those adorable children as well as adult actors. Carrie Dare and Linda Swann designed the other colorful traditional Biblical ensemble costumes. The animal pageant was a showstopper as the orchestra played “The Return of the Animals.”

Under the excellent musical direction of Joe Biddle, the 2nd Star Orchestra with Mike Monda on Keyboard 1, Lynn Graham and Elisa Poole on Keyboard 2, Steve Hudgins on Keyboard 3, Mari Hill on Reed 1, Dan Longo and Matt Elky on Reed 2, Mary Haaser on Reed 3, Jeff Eckert and Larry Ansted on Bass, Emily Busch playing French Horn, and Rob Gersten and Zach Konich on drums all deserve individual special mention for the tremendous contribution their musical performance made to the success of Children of Eden. They were superb.”-Ramona Harper

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Jacob Gee as Jake Stolker Explaining his Science Project in Toast at dog & pony dc

Jacob Gee as Jake Stolker in ‘Toast.’ Photo courtesy of DCMetroTheaterArts.

“dog & pony dc’s unique audience-integration experience called ‘Toast’ begins when you enter a room ringed with exhibits about innovation and technology. One of them is presented by young Jake Stolker, who will show and explain to you his clever science project, a disassembled toaster. Ask him what the diagram of visible and invisible waves means and he’ll talk you through it in detail. Ask him about the heating element he took out of the toaster and he’ll tell you exactly how it works and what it’s made of. Ask him anything and he’s got the answer. You believe he’s really this preternaturally bright kid named Jake Stolker, just like his name badge says. Nothing and no one else in the room comes near him in fascination and convincingness (which you don’t think is a performance…but then again with dc dog & pony dc you never know). Turns out in real life “Jake Stolker” is 12-year-old Jacob Gee. He has amazing poise and presence. And I’ll bet he was one of those fifth graders you’re not smarter than.”-John Stoltenberg.

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Bob Harbaum as Michael Defending a Hamster in God of Carnage at Silver Spring Stage

Bob Harbaum as Michael. Photo by Harvey Levine.

“Bob Harbaum‘s most ingenious moment to shine was when he is encountered with Annette and is forced to defend his “murder” of his daughter’s hamster, Nibbles. Harbaum (Michael) is sidesplitting in his defense of the murder of his daughter’s favorite pet. The entire diatribe is humorous, but his well-timed “Fuck the Hamster” is quite sidesplitting.”-Anne Vandercook.

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Michael Mayes as Charlie and Emily Pulley as Beatrice Sing a ‘Sole-ful Song’ in Three Decembers at Urban Arias

Emily Pulley as Beatrice and Michael Mayes as Charlie. Photo by C. Stanley Photography.

“In the funny, subtle libretto, Scheer tells the story of Madeline Mitchell (Janice Hall) and her two children, Charlie (Michael Mayes) and Beatrice (Emily Pulley). Over the course of three Decembers and three Christmas letters, they explore their family history – touching on AIDS, fame, infidelity, depression, and mothers with their children. There’s no easy scapegoat or hero, making for a more nuanced experience than most traditional opera. It’s also darn funny. Madeline is a famous actor, which is not always easy for her children, and at one point in “She’s late. No she forgot you,” Bea and Charlie sing a hilarious song about 40 years of shopping for shoes instead of therapy.”-Jessica Vaughan

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Brian Merritt as Jesus Singing ‘Beautiful City” in Godspell at Port Tobacco Players

Brian Merritt as Jesus. Photo by R.C. Downs.

Brian Merritt is a charming Jesus. His choice of a Boy Scout costume resonates very clearly with his boyish charm and with the acting choices he makes in the role. He relates beautifully and playfully with the ensemble and audience, and his tenor voice renders a lush and chilling “Beautiful City.”-Diane Jackson Schnoor.

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Bernardine Mitchell as Olive, Ashley Ware Jenkins as Irene, and Roz White as Marsha, Sing “In My Father’s House’ at the Beginning of Three Sistahs at MetroStage.

From left : Bernardine Mitchell, Ashley Ware Jenkins and Roz White in ‘Three Sistahs’ at MetroStage. Photo by Chris Banks.

“I was sitting inches away from the ‘Three Sistahs’ when that heavenly sound filled my ears with divine joy as Bernardine Mitchell, Ashley Ware Jenkins, and Roz White began their singing of “In My Father’s House.” The audience was immediately moved. A few ‘Hallelujahs’ and ‘Glorys’ were shouted out. And a couple of “MM MMs’ filled my row and these Sistahs were off and running with the most beautiful and heartfelt and soulful singing I have heard on the stage this year. This gorgeously sung opening number was a great jumpstart for the vocal delights that awaited the enthusiastic audience. Glory!”-Joel Markowitz

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Brendan Murray as Howie Corbett Releasing His Pain in Rabbit Hole at Peter’s Alley Theatre Productions

Brendan Murray as Howie Corbett and Rebecca Ellis as Becca Corbett. Photo by Nubbs Photography.

“If you have not seen Rabbit Hole before, I urge you to see it now. And if you are easily affected by emotions, get ready for your eyes to get misty. Forgetting my tissues was a big mistake; especially during a scene in which [Brendan] Murray is at his best, impersonating Howie breaking down and revealing the true depth of his pain. It’s a scene and a play not to be missed!”-Eliza Anna Falk.

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Zane Oberholzer as Luigi Gaudi Lets Loose and Confesses in Lucky Stiff at Being Revived and The Fredericktowne Players

Zane Oberholzer (Back row, far to the left in white) and his ‘Lucky Stiff’ castmates Jonas Dawson, Joe Waeyaert, Lawrence Derx, Taylor Whidden, Katie Johnson, Shawn Nakia Tephabock Law, Claudia Patterson, Zoe Alexandratos, and Jonas Dawson.

“Special mention must be made of Zane Oberholzer as “Luigi Gaudi and others.” He steals every scene in a role so well suited for him that you might think he originated it. Oberholzer is a masterful character actor who knows when to show restraint and when to cut loose – and after a virtually non-singing performance, he rips out some stellar vocals in the final scene’s “Confession #2.”-Andrew L. Baughman.

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Stephen T. Wheeler Hides Evidence in The Game’s Afoot, or Holmes for the Holidays at McLean Community Players

Carolyn Schaumburg as Aggie Wheeler and Stephen T. Wheeler as Felix Geisel.
Photo by Irish Eyes Photography by Toby.

“However, amongst a talented ensemble, Stephen T. Wheeler is a standout as the philandering Felix Geisel. Wheeler’s comic timing is impeccable and he has a scene stealing turn in the second act that involves hiding evidence.Wheeler’s fantastic facial expressions, deadpan delivery, and adroitness with physical comedy make his attempts at hiding a body one of the highlights of the show. (I can’t give more away for fear of spoilers).”-Diane Schnoor

LINKS

Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 9/18/14

Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 9/11/14.

Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 9/1/14.

Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 8/24/14.

Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 8/17/14.

Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 8/9/14.

Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 8/2/14.

Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 7/5/14.

Top Scene Stealers of the Week- Week Ending 6/28/14.

Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 6/21/14.

Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 6/13/14.

Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 6/06/14.

Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 5/29/14.

Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 5/22/14.

Capital Fringe Scene Stealers Part 1 and Part 2.

September 30, 2014
McLean Community Players Presents Ken Ludwig’s ‘The Game’s Afoot, or Holmes for the Holidays’ 9/26-10/12/14 in McLean’s Alden Theatre by Cathy Farnsworth

The McLean Community Players (MCP) present the area premier of Ken Ludwig’s The Game’s Afoot, or Holmes for the Holidays, opening September 26, 2014, in McLean’s Alden Theatre.

Police Inspector Goring (Elizabeth Replogle) listens as Felix Geisel (Stephen T. Wheeler), Madge Geisel (Melissa Dunlap), and William Gillette (Frank Gorrell) explain the solution to the murder. Photo by Toby Chieffo-Reidway.

Veteran director Bob Sams leads an award-winning cast and crew. The Edgar Award–winning The Game’s Afoot, opens Friday, September 26th and runs weekends through October 12th, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and two Sunday matinees, September 28 and October 12, at 2 p.m.

This mystery comedy opens in 1936 with the cast of the long-running Broadway hit Sherlock Holmes, brought together at the Connecticut castle home of the show’s author and star to solve both an attempted murder and a successful murder at the theater. During their solution attempts, there is yet another murder, and Broadway’s Holmes and his actor colleagues are the suspects with a local Police Inspector trying to solve the murder while everyone is snowed in. Bodies appear, disappear and reappear, there are hidden rooms, hidden microphones and other gadgets, murder, mayhem, many misunderstandings and a surprise ending. It’s a fast-paced evening of fun.

The just-married couple, Aggie Wheeler (Carolyn Schaumburg) and Simon Bright (Michael Schwartz). Photo by Toby Chieffo-
Reidway.

Director Bob Sams says, “It is always a privilege and challenge to do the first area production of a play, particularly one by a playwright of the stature of Ken Ludwig, author of Moon Over Buffalo, A Fox on the Fairway, and Lend Me A Tenor. I’m delighted to have this talented cast and production crew to present this comedy/mystery. When an actor who has played Sherlock Holmes for twenty years is faced with a murder to solve – he’s Sherlock Holmes, what could possibly go wrong?” Come and see.

Ken Ludwig’s The Game’s Afoot plays weekends, from September 26-October 12 , 2014 at the McLean Community Center’s Alden Theatre-1234 Ingleside Avenue, in McLean, VA. Tickets are $18 to $20, and group rates are available. For more information, call (703) 790-9223, or visit www.McLeanPlayers.org. Tickets are available at the Alden Box Office, through OvationTix at 1-866-811-4111 or at www.McLeanPlayers.org.

The Game’s Afoot is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. Through a cooperative agreement with The Metropolitan Washington Ear, along with the support of the Alden Theatre, audio description services for individuals with vision challenges will be offered at the October 11 performance.

The McLean Community Players, based in McLean, VA., celebrate both the musical and dramatic theater traditions. Putting up four shows a year–two musicals and two plays–MCP is committed to doing theater for the community, in the community, with the community, and sustained by the community.

The Game’s Afoot Creative Team

Co-Producers-Annie O’Neill Galvin, Diane Sams

Director-Robert Sams

Assistant Director- Jerry Gideon

Stage Manager-Karen Veltri

Assistant Stage Manager- Shayne Gardner

Set Designer-Bill Glikbarg

Lighting Designer-Lynne Glikbarg

Assistant Lighting Designer-Lauren Thomas

Sound Designer-Revathi Murthy

Props and Set Dressing-Jerry Gideon

Construction Chief-George Farnsworth

Costumes, Hair, Makeup-Susan Boyd

Fight Choreographer-Carl Brandt Long

House Manager-Columba Hoban

Madge Geisel (Melissa Dunlap) slaps her husband Felix (Stephen T. Wheeler) after finding out in front of all the other guests that he has been unfaithful. Photo by Toby Chieffo-Reidway.

The Game’s Afoot Cast

Role-Actor

William Gillette-Frank Gorrell

Martha Gillette-Kathryn (Katie) Johnston

Aggie Wheeler-Carolyn Schaumburg

Madge Geisel-Melissa Dunlap

Felix Geisel-Stephen T. Wheeler

Daria Chase-Dina Soltan

Simon Bright-Michael Schwartz

Inspector Goring-Elizabeth Replogle

August 30, 2014
‘The Game’s Afoot’ at The Salem Players by Amanda Gunther

Tally ho! The spirit of Sherlock has arrived! The Game’s Afoot has settled down at The Salem Players just in time to be appropriately referred to as ‘Holmes for the Holidays.’ A romping good murder mystery with a comic edge that will cut you to the quick, this Ken Ludwig play has all the elements of humor and suspense twined together in a neat little parcel; the perfect way to spend an evening at the theatre. Directed by Damien Gibbons, it’s a murder mystery that will have you laughing until you expire!

Felix (Ed Hoffman) and Theatre Critic Daria Chase (Ashley Gerhardt). Photo by Tim Van Sant.

Serving as the show’s Set Designer, Gibbons situates the living room of the Gillette estate in a most posh and polished fashion. The rich burgundy wallpaper and green undertones beneath it transport the audience back to a classy time in the mid ‘30’s with a sense of New England’s aristocratic flare. The same can be said of Costume Designer Jenifer Grundy Hollett’s work in outfitting the cast to the era. With flamboyantly overdone costumes for the ‘play-within-a-play’ scene and fancy evening frippery for the ladies once they arrive at the Gillette estate, there’s nothing amiss in her design work. Everyone is in their dazzling evening best; even the outlandish gold and black number saved for the fiery theatre critic fits the bill of 1930’s fashion.

Director Damien Gibbons keeps the production moving, a key component of a successful murder mystery, even if this one is packed full of hysterical moments and farcical elements. The suspense; albeit overshadowed by humor; builds in all the right moments making you puzzle and wonder over just what crime we’re investigating and who might have committed it. Gibbons also ensures that the cast has a flawless working chemistry among them, be it varying lovers, strained familial relations, or just bickering and quibbling in general when the party begins to break down. The moments of comedy wend themselves seamlessly into the scenes; a rare treat in an otherwise dark suspense-style thriller.

The relationships that form in this cast are sensational; each character playing out their part to the letter in this whacky mystery. Lovers quarrels, and mothers that cause problems; all wrapped up in the tight-knit friendship of a troupe of actors. The level of emotional clarity and expressiveness that they bring to the show makes it a much more dynamic experience, and keeps the show moving to its rather hilarious, albeit bizarre, conclusion.

Not arriving until the game is in full swing, Inspector Goring (Jenifer Grundy Hollett) slips onto the scene in her Scotland Yard finest; the iconic brown detective’s uniform and bubbly nature to boot. Hollett adapts a British accent by way of New England that adds a hint of comedy to her already quirky character and her larger than life cheery disposition is enough to set anyone on edge, even the murderer. Interacting brilliantly with the other characters, especially the quack that believes himself to be Holmes, Hollett brings a binding force of reason to the mayhem unfolding at the mansion.

Aggie Wheeler (Shealyn Jae), the heiress apparent, and her paramour Simon (Chris Carothers) have quite the little emotional tiff. Jae plays jealousy with a passionate flare, really spitting bitter daggers at Carothers during scenes where they fight. Carothers does an excellent job of delivering subtle one-liners, particularly when mocking Daria Chase, the arrogant theatre critic whose arrival is heralded by none.

The aforementioned theatre critic, played by the exceptionally talented Ashley Gerhardt, is a true scene stealer. From the moment Gerhardt storms onto the stage all eyes are on her, if not for her garish black and gold dress, for her fierce commanding stage presence. Her haughty air with that phony saccharine approach to befriending people is grating and every word that leaves her lips is terrifyingly superficial. She masters this disgusting role and then turns it on its head creating a rich dynamic depth to the character. Gerhardt erupts into a flurry of pure fury, her tongue a visceral knife that cuts to the quick by the end of act I; a stunning performance that really steals the thunder straight out of the stormy sky.

William Gillette (Marc Rehr) and Inspector Goring (Jenifer Grundy Hollett). Photo by Tim Van Sant.

Holding his own spastic nature against the viperous critic is Felix (Ed Hoffman). This ‘he-man’ of comedy really gets his physical slapstick noticed when he starts mucking about at the top of Act II. Hoffman is wildly animated, not only in his facial features but in his vocal expressions as well. Having complete spastic eruptions at his wife Madge (Suzanne Young) adds to the humor of his character. Young barbs right back at him, matching his intensity and showing her true colors as they play goes on. The pair have a versatile chemistry to their relationship, harsh and volatile at first but simpering and sweet as the play progresses. Hoffman also saves some of his exasperation for William Gillette (Marc Rehr) brilliant moments of uproarious arguments arising from their butting heads.

Rehr, as the potentially senile ‘detective’ has a way of blustering about the stage while simultaneously remaining calm even in the most awkward of situations. His responses, particularly frozen moments of facial disbelief, to Felix are priceless. The situations Rehr finds himself in, which I cannot divulge further without giving away key points of the fantastic plot, are to die for, and you’ll find that he’s the right man for the job.

Let’s not forget dear old mother, Martha (Marge Ricci). A too funny character that really knows how to insinuate herself into all the wrong, and sometimes the right, situations. Ricci plays dotty as well as she plays sassy; a delicate juxtaposition between ‘mother-knows-best’ and ‘senile-old-lady.’ A rousing good performance, though her stage time is brief, makes this a well-rounded comedy.

Life is a game, the most glorious game, the biggest adventure, in fact. And The Salem Players wants to invite you to roll the dice, hold the cards, and gamble along with them as they take the next big leap with this zany performance; you’ll be sorry you missed The Game’s Afoot, so make sure that you don’t!

Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes with one intermission.

The Game’s Afoot (Holmes for the Holidays) plays through November 17, 2013 at The Salem Players at The Salem Lutheran Church – 905 Frederick Road, in Catonsville, MD. For tickets call the box office at (410) 747-0720, or purchase them online.

November 9, 2013