Stratford Players to perform Sherlock Holmes play
Editor’s note: This is taken from a press release.
Stratford Players, now in its 10th year entertaining Idyllwild, kicks off the holiday season with mystery and merriment. The theater troupe will perform “The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays,” winner of the Mystery Writers of America’s Edgar Award for Best Play. After a long hiatus, Stratford is eager to get back on stage with this delightful mystery-farce from the pen of Ken Ludwig, one of America’s most popular playwrights.
Marsha Kennedy, the group’s artistic director, feels it is important to bring some lighthearted comedy to the community. “Idyllwild has endured so many challenges over the last couple years,” she said. “We want to help it bounce back. I believe everybody is eager for an evening of pure fun.”
The play is set in 1936 in the mansion of William Gillette, a real-life stage actor who was famous for his portrayal of the legendary Sherlock Holmes. A mellow Christmas Eve party is suddenly disrupted by a ghastly (but hilarious) murder, and Gillette and his guests set out to discover “whodunit.”
Kennedy directs the play that features local actors Chic Fojtik, Allison Fedrick, Barbara Rayliss, Jeff Morse and Christopher Morse, as well as guests from off the Hill. The players will be performing in the historic and recently renovated Town Hall, 25925 Cedar Street.
Stratford is dedicating this production to the memory of its long-time actor and patron Doug Austin. “We all miss Doug desperately,” said Kennedy, “He was not only our benefactor but our inspiration as well. We’re all doing our best to have this show honor his spirit. I think he’d love it.”
“The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays” will have just three performances: 2 p.m. Sunday Nov. 28; 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5. Tickets are $15. For reservations and further information, visit wwwstratfordplayers.com.
