N.C. State’s University Theatre program has always had a good reputation, but the troupe’s current production of Ken Ludwigs’ The Game’s Afoot exceeded any expectations that I previously held. Directed by theatre veteran John C. Mcllwee, the show was a hit and a half. 

Before the show even started, the set amazed the audience. If I didn’t know any better, I would have thought that I was actually inside a quirky, 1936-style, rich man’s mansion. The set was flawless. Everything was extremely realistic, from the decorations on the mantel to the stained-wood color of the elegant staircase, only adding to the magic of the play. When the show actually began, the amazement didn’t cease, and when it ended, the standing ovation solidified the audience’s reaction toward the show. 

When the characters entered the stage, I couldn’t help but notice how accurate their costumes were. They were elegant and really channeled the 1930s time period in which the play was set. All of the costumes reflected the characters perfectly and really helped their characterization. 

Ludwig’s plot was great. It had an authentic, old-time feel and was set on Christmas Eve of 1936. William Gillette, played by Christian O’Neal, has just retired from a 20-year run as Sherlock Holmes on New York City’s Broadway. After the show’s final performance, Gillette invites his show friends over for a dinner party and things quickly take a murderous turn when an unknown assailant stabs one of his guests. It is then up to Gillette to uncover the mystery, channeling his beloved character, Sherlock Holmes. 

The Game’s Afoot is not just a murder mystery, but it is also a comedy. It had everything an audience member could ever want — humor, suspense and a good amount of “guilty pleasure” romantic drama. 

Not only was the plot line hysterically funny and ironically cliché, it grabbed the audience tight and did not seem to let go until the actors took their bows during the final curtain call. 

The story complimented the actor’s abilities perfectly, and all except two actors played over-dramatic-actor characters, which worked refreshingly well and was extremely entertaining. The other two actors played lovable characters — Martha Gillette, played by Diana Quetti, and the Inspector, played by Allison McAlister, a naive elderly woman and a clueless detective, respectively. Though the characters were cliché, they were easily believable and wildly funny. More often than not, the actors had to hold their next line so the audience’s laughter did not overpower what they were going to say next. 

One standout character for me was Daria Chase, played by Morgan Piner. Piner did an outstanding job forcing the audience to “love to hate” her. She was obnoxious and sassy in all the right places, allowing her character to not seem forced or overdone. 

The chemistry between the two male leads, Gillette and Felix Geisel, played by Andrew Enloe, were impeccable. It truly seemed as though they had been friends forever and could finish each other’s sentences (even without a script). Another on-stage relationship that I loved was the marriage between Geisel and his wife, Madge, played by Lauren Caddick. The relationship was seemingly effortless. I had no trouble believing that they had been married for years.

The whole cast’s pacing was phenomenal and ultimately had great chemistry. Each actor said his or her lines at what seemed like the perfect time, and spoke clearly and deliberately. They all settled comfortably in their respective roles and delivered a well-rehearsed, fast-paced murder mystery comedy. 

Regardless of who killed whom, it is no mystery that I would definitely recommend this play to anyone who is willing to be absolutely charmed — two thumbs up.