The Game’s Afoot, or Holmes for the Holidays
By Ken Ludwig
Directed by Mandy Mershon
Dates
Auditions: Oct. 9-10 at 7pm
Show nights: Nov. 30-Dec. 2, Dec. 7-9, and Dec. 14-16
Play Synopsis
It is December 1936 and Broadway star William Gillette, admired the world over for his leading role in the play Sherlock Holmes, has invited his fellow cast-members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. Then it’s up to Gillette himself, as he assumes the persona of his beloved Holmes, to track down the killer before the next victim appears. The danger and hilarity are non-stop in this glittering whodunit set during the Christmas holidays. -from KenLudwig.com
Character Descriptions
All roles are wonderfully funny and although there are main and supporting roles listed, this really is an ensemble cast. As always, ages are approximations and may vary based on auditions.
William Gillette: Energetic and charming stage actor who has become wealthy playing the world renowned role of Sherlock Holmes. When a murder happens in his home, he thinks his stage experience can help him solve the murder himself.
Leading Role, Male, 40-65
Martha Gillette: William GIllette’s mother, feisty and critical but loyal to William and his band of actors. Comes across just a little daffy and confused.
Supporting role, Female, 55+
Felix Geisel: Gillette’s sidekick and best friend both on and off stage. Happily married (mostly) to Madge. Physical strength is a plus.
Main Role, Male, 40-65
Madge Geisel: sarcastic and outspoken, Madge has spent her life in the theatre with her husband Felix.
Supporting Role, Female, 40-65
Simon Bright: Young, good-looking and a little naive. Simon is married to Aggie and is also an actor in Gillette’s shows.
Main Role, Male, 20-40
Aggie Wheeler: Young, sweet and beautiful, Aggie is also an actress who is somewhat of an old soul. She and Simon are newlyweds but she is hiding a dark past.
Main Role, Female, 20-40
Daria Chase: Glamourous theatre critic who writes (and says) the most vicious, catty things about people, but the audience loves her anyway. Ability to do physical comedy a plus.
Supporting Role, Female, 35-65
Inspector Goring: This English inspector is one of a kind. She is clever and witty but at the same time, a little absent-minded. In the end, she always gets her man.
Main Role, Female, 30-60
