Playcrafters presents ‘The Game’s Afoot’ in Skippack starting Dec. 1

SKIPPACK — It’s the holiday season and you’re swathed in finery, milling with friends in a luxurious well-appointed castle. On Christmas Eve in 1936, thrills of holiday revelry permeate the halls, seeking to bewitch even the grumpiest of scrooges. With all of the food and festivity, the last thing on the evening’s guest list is the thwarting presence of evil. But who invited it?

A night of excitement is mounting in the dramatic comedy thriller, “The Game’s Afoot,” by Ken Ludwig. The play won the Edgar Award for Best Play in 2012 by Mystery Writers of America.

“Afoot is a very funny play, with intriguing characters and a compelling story. It’s a comedy first, but also a mystery, a thriller, and a Christmas show,” said Kate McShane, Director of the last show of Playcrafters’ 2023 season.

With a Holmesian theme, the show features a play within a play and a glimpse of Sherlock himself. The story depicts real-life Broadway star William Gillette (played by Ryan Kirchner), who invites his fellow cast members to his resplendent Connecticut home for a weekend of revelry. But when one of his guests is stabbed mysteriously, the spirit of the festivities turns macabre.

An interesting feature of the story is that Gillette collaborated with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and portrayed his beloved Sherlock Holmes during his real-life career. Through all of his work as an actor and playwright, he amassed a fortune, and his actual home today is featured in a Connecticut state park that has become a popular visitor’s attraction.

The two-hour, two-act show with a 15-minute intermission will serve up both danger and laughter in a glittery who-dun-it. You’ll be left guessing right up to the end.

“It is a thoroughly enjoyable night at the theater,” said McShane. “Folks will have a really good time.”

(Please note: The show is comic and lighthearted; however, there is simulated gunfire via a special capped starter pistol. There are a few scary moments that are best enjoyed by tweens and up.)

If you go:

Playcrafters presents “The Game’s Afoot” at The Barn, 2011 Store Road at Skippack Pike, Skippack.

December 1, 2, 3*, 8, 9», 10*, 14, 15, 16

* matinee @ 2 PM
»matinee @ 2PM and performance @ 8PM

Tickets:  $23.00

www.playcrafters.org 

610-584-4005

There will be a sock drive to benefit St. James Outreach House in Collegeville. Please bring new socks for men, women, or children to the show as soon as you are able.