DeSales University Act 1 Theater has staged a delightfully amusing holiday whodunit that blends mirth with murder and mayhem in its playful production of Ken Ludwig’s “The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays” through Dec. 2 on the Main Stage in Labuda Center for the Performing Arts in Center Valley.
The talented cast takes the audience on a chaotic ride through an upperclass holiday party at which a murderer may be lurking, on a blustery Christmas Eve 1936.
Shaun Laub is a standout as William Gillette, known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in the theater, aand who has had an attempt on his life at his last show.
Laub easily conveys the pomp and flourish of a well-established successful performer who is larger than life and used to being the center of attention. However, Laub’s acting legend is appealing and charismatic, rather than stuffy.
Gillette has gathered a group of likely suspects as he takes on the persona of his famous character to figure out who is the murderer before someone else dies.
Madeline Ashby is charming as William’s delightfully eccentric and doting mother Martha Gillette.
Ryan Plunkett is hilarious as William’s squirrely best friend friend Felix Geisel, who also is his costar in the Holmes play-within-a-play, as Professor Moriarty. Plunkett’s Felix is humorously high-strung and Plunkett mines plenty of laughs from the material.
India Profitt is amusing as his spunky, tart-tounged wife Madge.
Sophia Twohig plays Aggie Wheeler to perfection as the wide-eyed ingenue, who is more than a little manipulative,
As social climbing Simon Bright, Teddy Novak is engaging and earnest.
Joanna McShaffrey shines in her over-the-top portrayal of caustic theater critic Daria Chase. McShafferty’s Daria is enoyable arch and venom drips from her every utterance. McShaffrey is even funnier in the second act and proves herself a formidable physical comedian.
Grace Curry is quirky and lovable as the star-struck Inspector Harriet Goring, who arrives in Act II responding to a phone call that a murder may have been committed. She steadfastly stands up to William, who tries to run the show and proves herself to be a tenancious detective.
Director Anne Lewis makes this fast-paced farce suspenseful and even turns up the antics in the second act to a frantic level.
Set designer Andrew Mannion’s mansion interiors is sumptuous and full of fun surprises.
Costume designer Janus Stefanowicz has recreated the thirties with apprpriately glamorous and beautiful designs.
And kudos to lighting designer Eric T. Haugen for his perfectly timed and highly effective lightning;
Meet the actors after the show for a talk-back Nov. 23 and Dec. 2.
The Nov. 22 performance will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing and audio descriptions for patrons who are blind or visually impaired.
After the show Dec. 5, join the cast for “A Toast to Gillette After Party,” which will feature festive hot chocolate, sweet treats, and crafty fun inspired by Sherlock Holmes. There will be themed activities, a mystery raffle, and a toast to Gillette.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21, 22, Dec. 3, 4, 5 and 6; 2 p.m. Nov. 23 and Dec. 7; and 9:45 a.m. Dec. 2, at the Main Stage Theatre, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley.
For information, call 610-282-3192 or go to www.desales.edu.