The Ken Ludwig’s non-stop murderously funny whodunnit opens one day later due to recent snow storms

Riverland Community College Theatre has delayed its third production by one day, opening this Thursday instead of Wednesday because of recent winter storms. This weekend, however, escape your cabin fever as the department’s hope filled season of legends continues with the mastermind character of Sherlock Holmes in “Ken Ludwig’s The Game’s Afoot.”

Danger and hilarity are non-stop in this murderously funny whodunit set during the Christmas holidays in 1936. Broadway star William Gillette, admired the world over for his leading role as 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 quickly turn dangerous. It is then up to Gillette himself, as he assumes the persona of his beloved Holmes, to track down the killer before the next victim appears.

Director Susan V Hansen says, “Ken Ludwig is famous for his award-winning comedies, Lend Me a Tenor, Crazy for You, and Moon Over Buffalo. William Gillette was a famous American actor and playwright, and with the permission and collaboration of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, he created the first long running play bringing Sherlock Holmes to life on the stage. Ken Ludwig goes a step further and proposes that William Gillette may be able to solve a murder in his own home. Hilarity and farce are wonderfully mixed with suspense and mystery. So, take a break from the snow and watch it snow indoors on the fabulous set at the Frank W. Bridges Theatre!”

Ken Ludwig’s The Game’s Afoot is directed by Susan V. Hansen who also designed the costumes. The set, lighting, and sound design are by John Deyo. Emma Peterson is the Assistant Director and Stage Manager. The eight-member cast includes: James Zschunke as William Gillette; Brianna Ahlbrecht as his mother, Martha Gillette; Austin Hodnefield as Felix Geisel and Kayla Byram as his wife, Madge Geisel; Ethan Eriksmoen as Simon Bright; Faith Rautenkranz as Aggie Wheeler; Lilla Parada as Daria Chase, and Charli Martin as Inspector Goring.

“Gillette is also famous for adding three classic components to Sherlock Holmes; the curved pipe, a more luxurious dressing gown, and the phrase, ‘Elementary, my dear fellow’ which was subsequently altered to ‘Elementary, my dear Watson.’ The performers have really embraced these larger than life characters! I am a big Sherlock Holmes fan; my dog’s name is Sherlock!” says Hansen.

Ken Ludwig’s The Game’s Afoot will be performed February 28, March 1, 2 at 7 p.m., and March 3 at 2 p.m. at the Frank W. Bridges Theatre in the East Building of the Austin Campus.

Individual tickets to Ken Ludwig’s The Game’s Afoot are $13 and currently on sale at www.riverland.edu/tickets 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The online ticketing system allows customers to choose their seats and pay by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover. Tickets may also be purchased at the Riverland Box Office, located in room E107 in the East Building of the Austin campus. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and one hour before performances. Riverland students receive two free tickets to each performance with a valid student ID. Contact the box office at 507-433-0595 or by emailing boxoffice@riverland.edu.