“THE GAME’S AFOOT”

Was it Colonel Mustard with the knife in the Library or Professor Plum with the rope in the kitchen?  The classic board game of Clue was launched in 1949 and has been enjoyed by millions around the world.    

I played Clue many times during my youth and have always loved a good murder mystery so I jumped at the opportunity to attend Ken Ludwig’s “The Game’s Afoot”.  It was a classic murder mystery dinner at the Yuma Art Center. In 2012 it was named as the Mystery Writers of America Edgar Allen Poe Award for Best Play! 

The Game's Afoot

Tickets to the production included a 3-course dinner.  At a cost of $30 per person I found it to be a very good price.  Doors opened at 5pm and dinner began promptly at 6pm.  Our table was #10 and there were 10 seats at each table.  Total in attendance was 120.  A salad was served first that included a thousand island dressing with a slight ‘punch’ of spice added. 

Salad

Next came the entrée.  There are only 2 options available - Chicken Francesca or vegetarian.  Both Mike and I selected the Chicken Francesca.  I typically eat Chicken Francesca sliced and served with pasta but this was a chicken breast covered with a white sauce and capers.  It was complimented by a twice-baked potato and a nice bundle of bacon wrapped green beans.  A basket of rolls were placed on the table after all the plates had been served.

Chicken Francesca entree

Mike and I received our plates first and waited for the others to be served but after several minutes our table mates encouraged us to begin, which we did.  It was another few minutes before the other 8 were served, definitely a fopaux on the part of the staff. 

Tables set for 10

Ice tea and water were complimentary.  They had an open bar available for beer and wine purchases.  Coffee was available but at a cost of $1 per cup.  

No host bar

As Act I begins you will meet William Gillette.  He is an eccentric and famed actor who is known the world over for his interpretation of Sherlock Holmes.  While recovering from an attempt on his life during a performance, Gillette invites some friends and colleagues to his Connecticut mansion, complete with secret passages, hidden rooms, and state-of-the-art gadgets like an intercom and a remote control.   Little did they know it was planned to ferret out the identity of the assailant who tried to kill him.

Act I - learning the characters

The story is full of twists and turns, misdirection and misadventure. While Gillette is busy sleuthing to solve his own mysterious attack, one of his guests falls victim to foul play and the evening becomes a double whodunit. By the time Inspector Harriet Gorring arrives on the scene in Act II, everybody is a suspect.

Intermission brought a plate of chocolate cake being placed in front of us.

Chocolate cake for dessert

After a 20 minute interlude, the house lights dimmed and the story continued.  Wacky antics; perfectly-timed entrances and exits; characters just missing each other or appearing in unexpected places; and sharp, witty dialogue keeps you guessing and makes the second half of the play fly by.

Cast members

This play is fun and funny, an energetic romp that keeps you guessing and laughing from start to finish. With some fabulous acting, an amazing set, nice costumes and excellent direction, The Game’s Afoot is a production you’ll be thankful you attended.