“The Games Afoot -or- Holmes for the Holidays” by Ken Ludwig

New River Stage is excited to be returning to the stage this holiday season with a fast-paced murder mystery comedy thriller. “The Game’s Afoot -or- Holmes For the Holidays,” written by Ken Ludwig is a snappy whodunit set in December 1936. Broadway star William Gillette, admired for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, has invited his fellow cast-members to his Connecticut estate for a weekend of celebration. When one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in this spooky house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. It is 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. Directed by Anna Dalton our talented eight member cast stars Blacksburg Community Band Leader, Steve Brown, as William Gillette aka Sherlock Holmes. William H. Gillette (1853-1937) was a true to life historical character. He was a talented American actor, playwright, and stage-manager in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Gillette is best remembered for portraying Sherlock Holmes on stage and the silent movie screen. “The Game’s Afoot” opens with a play within a play. Each clue leads to another surprise in this humorous murder mystery comedy thriller. Also featured in the show are Basilia Ogliaruso, Michael Ogliaruso, Debbie Kleiner, Elsie Purvis McCombs, Matt Underwood, Randy Kirchner, and Harmony Faye Tripp-Kiser recently seen in the movie “Big Stone Gap.” “A hilarious, quirky and thrilling alternative to your standard holiday entertainment. The Game’s Afoot is the perfect gift for the holidays, a fantastically fun night out at the theatre.” The Games Afoot Opens Friday, December 2nd on stage at the Village Center on the Warm Hearth Campus 2387 Warm Hearth Drive, Blacksburg VA 24060. Run time is two hours with a 15-minute intermission. Parking is FREE and the building is ADA accessible. Showtimes: 7PM on December 2-3 and December 9-10. 3PM Matinee on Sunday, December 11th. Ticket prices are $12 general admission, $10 seniors 55 & up, $10 students. Matinee pricing all seats $10. Tickets are available online at newriverstage.org or at the door. New River Stage is a non-profit 501(c)(3) community theater group in its 12th year of operation. We are dedicated to offering quality theatrical opportunities to the New River Valley including adult community theatre productions, children's theatre productions, educational workshops for children, as well as classes for adults. We thrive on artistic and charitable partnerships with other community organizations. We are always on the lookout for volunteers of all kinds and appreciate the contributions made by willing hands in the New River Valley. We have seen a lot of folks pass through our doors, and are always excited to see new people pitch in to help in all areas of production. # # # If you would like more information or are interested in volunteering or educational opportunities, please contact AJ Moose at 540-585-4295 or email at newriverstageinfo@gmail.com.