Dates have been set for open auditions for SOAP Theatre’s fall production of The Game’s Afoot (or Holmes for the Holidays) by Ken Ludwig.
Ted Osborne has agreed to direct this play which was named the “Best Mystery Play of 2012” by The Mystery Writers of America.
The Game’s Afoot (or Holmes for The Holidays) 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 the veteran SOAP director. Patrons will likely remember the non-stop laughter when SOAP presented Lend Me A Tenor, also by Ludwig.
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.
Anyone interested in acting is welcome to the auditions which will be held over two days. The first session takes place on Thursday, June 8 in Room 1 of the Sonora Community Centre in Osoyoos starting at 6:30 pm. For a second night, Sunday, June 11 at 6:30 pm. come to the Big Blue Building at Quail’s Nest Arts Centre, 5840 Airport Road in Oliver.
Osborne will need to cast eight characters for this farce which is built around the historical character of Gillette. Three male and five female actors will be required, ranging in age from mid-20s to mid-70s.. The roles are as follows:
William Gillette (early 50s): Eccentric yet lovable, actor extraordinaire.
Martha Gillette (mid-70s): Always a mother, Martha lives with William in his Connecticut castle.
Felix Geisel: (mid 40s) Member of William’s theatre ensemble, friend since childhood.
Madge Geisel: (mid 40s): Wife of Felix and also a member of the ensemble.
Simon Bright: (mid 20s): Sometimes naïve but always earnest member of the ensemble.
Aggie Wheeler: (mid-20s): A sweet, lovable and adoring member of the cast.
Inspector Goring: (40-50): Local police officer, she is sometimes addled but known for closing cases.
Daria Chase: (early 50s): The most unexpected guest, Daria is a local critic who never stops.
The producers will also be looking for people interested in working behind the scenes.
Four shows are planned at Frank Venables Theatre in Oliver on Nov. 2, 3 and 4. Some rehearsals may be called during the summer period.
The Game’s Afoot will be the first in a series of three productions planned for next season. The current season ended with a performance of Since You Left Us at the Okanagan Zone Drama Festival in Salmon Arm on May 25. A review of the past season and discussion on the plans for the next season will be on the agenda when the South Okanagan Amateur Players Society hold its annual general meeting on June 22 at Quail’s Nest Arts Centre. Meeting time is 7 pm but will be preceded by a pot luck dinner at 6 pm.
More information on SOAP Players activities can be found at http://soplayers.ca or by e-mailing info @ soplayers.ca
Paw Prints Studio & Gallery – The Art of John Salsnek
Although a small town, Oliver knows how to grow big talent, if local youth are anything to go by. Young singers, pianists, artists, photographers, dancers and multi-instrumentalists all get their start under the tutelage of stellar local teachers. On the evening of Wednesday May 3, some of Oliver’s classiest musicians take centre stage at Showcase of Talent in the Venables Theatre lobby. Music students will perform selections from recent Kiwanis Festival competitions, highlights from musical theatre, and recital pieces from their studies. Their repertoire is wide-ranging: blues, jazz, and pop, as well as classical. All performers will be acknowledged with bursaries to assist with their music education. Many Showcase “graduates” have continued performing as adults, even professionally. Meet the performers at the reception following: autographs are welcome!
