Inspector Goring (Siobhan O’Brien) doesn’t quite meet the eye of provocateur Daria Chase (Natasha Harris) in “The Game’s Afoot,” at the Benicia Old Town Theatre through Saturday, Nov. 12. (Photo by Messina Photography)

The Benicia Old Town Theatre opened Ken Ludwig’s comic romp, “The Game’s Afoot” Friday to a fun crowd, some goers dressed in ‘30s period attire in keeping with the spirit of the Sherlock Holmes theme. The Benicia troupe served up a healthy portion of theatrical entertainment, seasoned with exquisite comic timing, a brilliantly-designed set, and an energizing camaraderie among the players.
Ludwig’s farcical comedy has plenty of twists, beginning with the beginning, which is actually the end… Just as the audience has settled in and begun to follow the action, they see the actors joining hands to take a bow. Just what is going on here? That seems o be the question of the hour. Who-dun-what, and when? And is it all just an act? The story line certainly keeps audience members on their toes, while plenty of comic mishaps keep things light and lively.
Bay Area actor Paul Hughes has the pivotal role as William Gillette, long-time portrayer of Sherlock Holmes, who has invited cast members and their nemesis, theater critic Daria Chase (played superbly by BOTTG alum Natasha Harris of Benicia) to a party at his home. Hughes commands the lead role, although his voice was strained on opening night Friday, making it a bit distracting to follow his lines.
Hughes’ guests are not happy to hear about the surprise addition to the guest list, but he convinces them that it would behoove them to be nice to her, considering her powerful influence. When Daria arrives, however, her haughty attitude and aggressive speech don’t make it easy.
Harris steals the show as the high-gloss critic. She is confident and sassy, refined and superior, yet comfortable enough that we love to hate her, in the nicest way. Maureen Coyne is also a delight as Gillette’s mother Martha, who becomes so disgusted with the critic’s put-downs that she can hardly mask her disdain.
Siobhan O’Brien adds flavor to the mix as the staid Inspector Goring, who arrives on the scene after one of the guests turns up with a knife in the back. From her costume down to her British-farce demeanor, O’Brien fills out the scene with comic contrast.
Scott Poitras is hilarious as hapless co-conspirator Felix, and Lauren Kelley adds her own unique flavor as his wife Madge. The play is such a perfect combination of characters, in fact, well played individually as well as interactively, that it would surely lose lustre if any one of them were absent from the mix.
Bravo to the actors, director Clinton Vidal, set designers, builders and techs – to all who played a part in the production. This one came together as a cohesive and highly entertaining whole.
“The Game’s Afoot” continues Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through Saturday, Nov. 12. Tickets are $22, $20 for seniors and students. Doors open one hour before curtain at the historic B.D.E.S. Hall at 140 West J St., Benicia.
For information and tickets, visit beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com or call 746-1269.

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