Rehearsals have commenced for SOAP Theatre’s fall production of “The Games Afoot” (or “Holmes for The Holidays”) by Ken Ludwig. SOAP Theatre is a not-for-profit performing group based in Oliver and Osoyoos.
The Game’s Afoot will be presented on the stage of Frank Venables Theatre in Oliver November 2 to 4, including a 2 pm matinee performance on Saturday, November 4. Regretfully, SOAP is not able to bring this play to Osoyoos because of the complex set which has been designed and constructed by cast member Craig Bjornson.
It’s December 1936 and Broadway star William Gillette, admired the world over for his leading role in the play Sherlock Holmes, has invited his fellow cast-members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. Then it’s 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.
This play was named the “Best Mystery Play of 2012” by The Mystery Writers of America. “It is a fast-paced ensemble piece filled with great roles, and keeps everyone guessing ‘who done it?’ right up the very end of the show,” says Ted Osborne, the veteran SOAP director who is the creative force behind this latest production. SOAP Theatre patrons will likely remember the non-stop laughter when SOAP presented Lend Me A Tenor, in 2014, also by Ludwig.
The cast, who have spent most of the summer working on their lines, includes returning SOAP performers Diane Gludovatz, Jen Jensen, Nathan Linders, Craig Bjornson and Angela Stuart, joined on stage by newcomers Connie Mythen, Jim Dinwoodie and Andrea Furlan. The play is produced by Patrick Turner and Andrea Furlan, supported by a dedicated back stage team.
Advance discount tickets are now available online at www.venablestheatre.ca. There are further group discounts for those purchasing 10 or more tickets through the Venables Theatre Box Office.
The Game’s Afoot is the first of three plays being produced by SOAP Theatre for the 2017-2018 season. Also in the works is Norm Foster’s Old Love in February and Outside Mullingar by John Patrick Shanley in April.
More information on the 2017-18 season is available at www.soplayers.ca
At the opening reception, each artist gave a sneak peek of their talent by recreating the Canada penny stamp from 1867 as their “pre-piece”. Drop in on the artists all week long, July 11 – 15 (Tuesday to Saturday), from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, and watch them work on their unique $10 bill.
The Friends of the Oliver Library would like to thank the Community Arts Council for helping us get the word out about our Book Sale. We are happy to report that we raised close to $2100 which will be used to help support the Children’s Summer Reading Program, as well as help with the purchase of additional newspaper and magazine subscriptions for the Library. The residents of Oliver and District have been so very generous with their donations of: books, time and labour! Please know that your involvement is very much appreciated!!
If you remember the power of ’80s rock, especially its iconic women decked out in “leather and lace” and belting the hits, you won’t want to miss this concert
