Colleen Davis as Aggie Wheeler and Jon Woods as William Gillette wonder who killed one of the guests at Gillette’s party. (Photo by Edmonds Driftwood Players)

Colleen Davis as Aggie Wheeler and Jon Woods as William Gillette wonder who killed one of the guests at Gillette’s party. (Photo by Edmonds Driftwood Players)

‘The Game’s Afoot’: Sherlock actor must test script-learned skills

EDMONDS — Ken Ludwig’s plays have been produced in more than 30 countries and translated into almost as many other languages.

His work as been produced on Broadway and London’s West End. He’s won Tony awards and garnered lots of other professional recognition.

Even so, his fanbase includes loads of American community theater actors and audiences — including people who perform in and attend productions by Edmonds Driftwood Players. His “The Game’s Afoot” opens Friday at Driftwood’s Wade James Theatre.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

Called a master of mayhem, Ludwig writes shows that are well-suited to community theater. They are fast moving, funny and surprising.

“The Game’s Afoot” won the 2012 Edgar Allan Poe award for best play. It premiered in 2011 at the Cleveland Playhouse. The critic for the Cleveland Plain Dealer called it “an inspired whodunit … a snappy, clever drawing room mystery. There are twists (in Ludwig’s story) that cause the audience to gasp.”

No doubt the Edmonds Driftwood Players will do justice to the comic whodunit.

Directed by Ted Jaquith, the cast includes Jon Woods, Laura Crouch, Jay Vilhauer, Jennifer Makenas, Colleen Davis, J. Woody Lotts, Caitlin Gilman and Gretchen Douma.

Woods portrays the Broadway star William Gillette, admired internationally for his leading role in the play “Sherlock Holmes.” Set in December 1936, the action takes place during a week-long party Gillette has thrown for fellow cast members at his Connecticut home.

But when one of the guests is found dead, the festivities in this isolated house quickly turn dangerous. Gillette must summon his script-learned Sherlock skills to solve the mystery and identify the killer, before he or she strikes again.

The Game’s Afoot

Edmonds Driftwood Players shows are 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 9-25, at Wade James Theatre, 950 Main St., Edmonds. Tickets are $25 general, $22 senior, junior, military. Go to www.edmondsdriftwoodplayers.org or call 425-774-9600. The ASL show is June 17.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Photo courtesy of Historic Everett Theatre
The Elvis Challenge takes place Saturday at the Historic Everett Theatre.
A&E Calendar for May 8

Send calendar submissions to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your item is seen by… Continue reading

Kyle Parker paddles his canoe along the Snohomish River next to Langus Riverfront Park on Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tip to Tip: Kyle Parker begins his canoe journey across the country

The 24-year-old canoe fanatic started in Neah Bay and is making his way up the Skykomish River.

Photo provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
Subaru Adds Bronze And Onyx Trims to 2025 Ascent

Three-Row Family SUV Delivers Equal Parts Safety And Comfort

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid SUV (Provided by Hyundai).
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid evokes outdoor adventure

Boxy styling leaves lots of room for gear. A refined ride ensures comfort around town.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna minivan in the top-level Platinum grade (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota Sienna maintains reputation for fuel efficiency

Every model in the minivan’s lineup has a hybrid powertrain.

An autumn-themed display at Wagner Jewelers in Marysville. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Shine bright with Snohomish County’s top jewelry finds

Three dazzling shops where elegance, craft, and sparkle come together.

The 2025 Lexus TX 350 is a three-row luxury SUV. It’s offered in Base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling grades (Provided by Lexus).
2025 Lexus TX 350 welcomes new F Sport Handling model

Unique exterior highlights, a glass roof and sport-tuned suspension are among the attractions.

Hybrid Touring Photo Provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Increases Fuel Economy And Range

Sixth-Generation Model Receives Complete Refresh

Image from Pexels.com
Top 3 Cannabis Shops You’ll Love in Snohomish County

Looking for quality products and good energy? Let’s discover the top spots.

Image from Canva.com
Chic & unique: The top 3 boutiques in Snohomish County you need to visit

From trendy finds to timeless pieces, discover the hidden gems that are redefining local fashion.

Image from Canva.com
Find your next favorite read in Snohomish County

Explore three of the finest bookshops where stories and community come together

Image from Canva.com
Say “I Do” to these stunning wedding venues

From rustic barns to elegant halls, discover where love stories in Snohomish County begin.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.