William Gillette and Felix Geisel are actors and best friends. Gillette wrote a play based on Arthur Conan Doyle’s Shelock Holmes series, and it has been a huge success, playing for 15 years. The run ends early, though, when someone from the audience tries to shoot Gillette dead, but only wings him. Two weeks later he invites the rest of the cast (they’re all friends) to stay as guests at his tony, recently built mansion. Felix brings his wife Madge. Simon and Aggie have eloped and told no one. Gillette and his elderly mother Martha will play host over the Christmas Holidays. Much to everyone’s horror, Gillette has invited Daria Chase, the vitriolic gossip columnist to join them. Chase is doing a biographical piece on Gillette, so it seemed like a practical idea. When a ruse to expose the foiled assassin backfires, Chase is incensed. True to form, she’s vindictive and vicious, threatening to ruin all their careers. Especially Gillette’s.
Playwright Ken Ludwig certainly knows how to construct a comedic murder mystery, using tropes of the genre without pandering. The cast members are all close and casual, trading witticisms and basking in each other’s congenial company. As the narrative progresses, we discover hidden connections, and unrevealed affairs. Without revealing too much, we’re treated to one of the most hilarious murders I have ever witnessed. Onstage, that is. While Gillette capitalizes on his prolonged history of playing Sherlock (the precursor of criminal forensics) the structure resembles Agatha Christie’s ensemble mysteries (Murder on the Orient Express, And Then There Were None…) more. All the guests have ample motivation, and the first confession won’t be the last. All this being said, Ludwig’s appropriation of Christie is redeemed by intelligence, plausibility and fresh takes on the familiar.
Richardson Theatre Centre’s production of The Game’s Afoot (or Holmes for the Holidays) is vastly pleasurable, marked by the players’ relaxed, canny, buoyant performances. The humor feels natural, the banter, spontaneous. Considerable demands made of the actors come off with grace and professionalism, thanks to the guidance of Rachael Lindley. Danger may not necessarily be the most salient aspect of Ludwig’s script but no matter, the deliciously wry script yields much enjoyment and a splendid diversion for the holidays.
Richardson Theatre Centre’s presents: The Game’s Afoot (or Holmes for the Holidays) playing November 30th-December 23rd, 2018. 518 West Arapaho Road, Suite 113, Richardson, Texas 75080. 972-699-1130. www.richardsontheatrecentre.net