Review: Theatre Arlington’s “THE GAME’S AFOOT! OR HOLMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS” is a splendid knee-stabber of a show

The Game’s Afoot! Or Holmes for the Holidays

By Ken Ludwig

Directed by Cheryl Denson

Produced by Theatre Arlington

Audience Rating: PG-13 for mature themes, mild adult language, and

violence/mentions of violence

Run Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes, plus one 15-minute intermission

Accessible Seating: Available

Hearing Devices: Available

ASL Showing: Not Available

Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available

Volume Level: Loud at times

Audio/Visuals to prepare for: Stage combat, stage blood, loud gunshots, loud

screams, some flashing lights, some sudden sounds

Reviewed by Troy D. Murray

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in DFW, and Theatre Arlington is providing the city with the best gift it could ask for: a fantastically executed, well-crafted production of The Game’s Afoot! Or Holmes for the Holidays. Sherlock has made several appearances in the Metroplex in recent memory, but his arrival in Arlington during the holiday season has led to a fascinating, exciting, and hysterical turn of events for audiences alike.

In this captivating Ken Ludwig tale, William Gillette – a Sherlock Holmes stage actor – invites his fellow castmates over for a holiday get-together at his castle on the Connecticut River. While basking in the festivities, an actual murder transpires, forcing Gillette to dawn the deerstalker and the Holmes persona in an attempt to quell the snowstorm brewing in his home.

Director Cheryl Denson and her production team do a remarkable job bringing this jolly murder mystery to life. Ryan Simon’s tediously timed orchestration inserts, Hope Cox’s masterfully assembled wardrobe of festive highlights and shimmering tones, Bryan Stevenson’s stunning light coordination, Colin Wintersole’s jaw- dropping stage craftmanship, and Robin Dotson’s astonishing assembly of weaponry come together in perfect harmony to truly create the perfect crime. These elements, alongside the spine-chilling pre-show radio announcement, the well-dispersed crystal chandeliers, the frost-tinted windows, and the constant downpour of snow in the backyard, complement the case in a way that can only be described as outstanding, my dear Watson.

The cast serves as a stellar catalyst for this fascinating farce. Their quick-paced delivery and excellent comedic timing make this production a rib-tickler from curtain to curtain. Leading the company is Leroy Hood as the gumshoe himself, William Gillette. Hood possesses an uncanny ability to control audience focus. His portrayal of Sherlock is astonishingly convincing, as he effectively blurs the lines between impersonation and true character. Jarrod Wells is hilariously brilliant with his panicky, "Chandler Bing"-like depiction of Felix. He is as humorous as he is deceptively strong, making him the perfect form of comedic relief. Mikki Hankins exudes “alluring versatility” as Aggie Wheeler. She has phenomenal emotional range and does a sensational job initiating tonal shifts throughout. John Marshall is cleverly nerdy as Simon Bright. His joviality and riveting physical comedy make him the perfect addition to any scene he is in. Natalie Hinds brings sensibility and astuteness to Madge Geisel. Without giving too much away, her commitment to bits is top-notch, and she possesses an untouched level of resourcefulness as an actress. Lisa Fairchild’s expressions as Martha Gillette are as sharp and tenacious as they come. She is incredibly intentional with her character direction and never fails to deliver on her punchlines. Madeleine Norton is a S-T-A-R as the brashly elegant gossip, Daria. Her snide comments toward the rest of the cast resonate throughout the house, and her Act II work is simply to die for. Rounding out the cast is the crafty Deborah Brown as Inspector Goring. She weaves in and out of the storyline with ease and serves as an extraordinary looming presence that keeps the performers on edge.

Anyone looking for a suspenseful holiday treat needs to stop by Theatre Arlington before the case is closed. Their production of The Game’s Afoot! Or Holmes for the Holidays continues through December 21st, and tickets can be purchased at theatrearlington.org

Those that want to do a good deed this Christmas can also donate to the Unity of Arlington food drive being hosted there in honor of the late great Nancy May. Patrons can help fill their food pantry through donations at the door, including boxed cereal, canned soup, or even feminine products. Attendees can find further details on Theatre Arlington’s Facebook and Instagram social media pages.

Now you know – so go see the show!

Troy D. Murray