Show program & bar menu
“From the intriguing opening mini play-within-a-play to the surprise last scene a split second before final curtain, The Game’s Afoot gives you everything you love about great live theatre. Billed as a comedy thriller you will find yourself swept along for a wild and funny ride.”
— Cleveland Examiner
Breathtaking mystery and high hilarity in equal parts, this play tells the story of Broadway star William Gillette, who 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 and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. Then it’s up to Gillette himself, who just happens to think he’s Sherlock Holmes, to track down the killer before the next victim appears.
The danger and laughter are non-stop in this glittering whodunit set during the Christmas holidays!
CONTENT ADVISORY: This production includes gunshot sounds and scenes which may disturb some audience members.
Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
“From the intriguing opening mini play-within-a-play to the surprise last scene a split second before final curtain, The Game’s Afoot gives you everything you love about great live theatre. Billed as a comedy thriller you will find yourself swept along for a wild and funny ride.”
— Cleveland Examiner
Breathtaking mystery and high hilarity in equal parts, this play tells the story of Broadway star William Gillette, who 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 and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. Then it’s up to Gillette himself, who just happens to think he’s Sherlock Holmes, to track down the killer before the next victim appears.
The danger and laughter are non-stop in this glittering whodunit set during the Christmas holidays!
CONTENT ADVISORY: This production includes gunshot sounds and scenes which may disturb some audience members.
Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
CAST & CHARACTERS
William Gillette & "Sherlock Holmes"
Gareth Nicol
Martha Gillette
Denise Dobko
Felix Geisel & "Moriarty"
Grant Biebrick
Madge Geisel & "Marian"
Catriona Muir
Simon Bright & "Count Zerlinsky"
Brennan Risling
Aggie Wheeler & "Alice"
Nicole Bergman
Inspector Goring
Dawn Bell
Daria Chase
Rachelle Kosokowsky
ACT I
SCENE I: The Palace Theatre, New York City, early December 1936.
SCENE II: The drawing room of William Gillette's Connecticut mansion, Christmas Eve 1936.
SCENE III: The same room, an hour later.
INTERMISSION
ACT II
SCENE I: Immediately continuing the action that concluded Act I, Scene III.
SCENE II: Five minutes later.
Originally produced by Cleveland Play House.
Michael Bloom, Artistic Director. Kevin Moore, Managing Director.
Author's note
William Gillette was a star of the American stage during the early part of the 20th century. Gillette wrote the play Sherlock Holmes in collaboration with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and he starred in it with enormous success in both New York and London for a total of 1,300 performances spread out over thirty years.
He became associated with Holmes in the public's imagination; and with his royalties from this and other plays, he built a replica of a medieval castle on the Connecticut River, filled with gadgets representing the latest technology. It was here that entertained the casts of his latest New York hits, and he remained beloved to his fans until his death in his eighties.
Gillette Castle is open to the public to this day.
— Ken Ludwig
Special thanks
Special thanks to Les & Colette Semenoff for special loan of the antique roll-top desk, vintage prop guns and numerous additional items; to Terry Schroell for set construction and radio broadcast voiceover; to Gareth Nicol for design and construction of the hidden room; to Justin Semenoff for assistance with the prop blades and special loan of his ornamental axe collection, vintage radio replica, and other integral set pieces; to Marge Hosak for exceptional seamstress work; to Rachelle Kosokowsky for costume & hair stylist coordination, loan of the white bedsheets and treatment of the Sherlock coat; to Jason Poppenheim and Krystina Koc for assistance with selected prop builds, bookmaking, and set painting; to Denise Dobko for loan of the vintage telephone; to Nicole Bergman for bookmaking assistance; to Newman Players for loan of the costume gloves; to Persephone Theatre for loan of the men's shirts, Count Zerlinksy's hat, and Moriarty's cape; and to MC College students for the oversight of the ladies' hairstyling.
And, as always, thanks to our catering partner — Garnet Catering — for providing the excellent meals that our audiences have come to love (and expect) from us.
Meet the cast & crew
Gareth Nicol
"William Gillette" and "Sherlock Holmes"
After a year off, Gareth is pleased to be back in action on the stage with MFT after appearing in many shows — most recently in Bill Corbett and Kira Obolensky’s Hate Mail.
Gareth hopes that you enjoy the production and remember the game is afoot!
Denise Dobko
"Martha Gillette"
Denise has spent 25 years involved in the arts and theatre productions with the Langenburg Arts Council where she has played numerous roles. Her two favourite achievements are playing Ousier in Robert Harling’s Steel Magnolias and producing Chicago the Musical.
This is her first time on the Mini Fridge stage and she is looking forward to performing with this super talented crew!
She dedicates her performance to her husband, Darren, who has been supportive and patient while she exercises her “theatre wings”!
Grant Biebrick
"Felix Geisel" and "Moriarty"
This is Grant’s first production with MFT — although he has been in the audience a few times since moving to town. Let this be a cautionary tale about remembering to clear off your tab!
(We digress).
Grant caught the community theatre bug while staving off boredom in the wilds of Northern Alberta with Peace Players. After 10 years with the Lloydminster SPCA Dinner Theatre, he took a hiatus due to career and kidlets. A one-act with Regina Little Theatre reminded him how much he missed the stage, and now we’re up to date.
Thank you for your support and laughter!
Catriona Muir
"Madge Geisel" and "Marian"
Catriona is very excited to be a part of The Game’s Afoot at Mini Fridge Theatre Company. She recently worked with McClure United Church in Anne of Green Gables: the Musical.
For fun, Catriona performs in Karaoke League at a local club. When she isn't on stage, Cat is hanging out with her wonderful family and working in food safety with the Boortmalt malting company — cheers!
She wants to thank her husband, Chris, and their four awesome kids for supporting her creative endeavors.
Brennan Risling
"Simon Bright" and "Count Zerlinsky"
Brennan (aka The Riz / aka Major Party) is a man of many personas. In tandem, he is a teacher, musician, writer, reviewer, clinician, public speaker, radio and television host, two-time (TWO-TIME!) Saskatchewan Air Guitar Champion, masters’ student (92% in his first class, no big deal…), and now an actor! Who knew?
Brennan is excited to be in his second season with Mini Fridge Theatre Company!
Nicole Bergman
"Aggie Wheeler" and "Alice"
Nicole is ecstatic to share the stage with the incredibly talented cast in this show. She appeared last season in Philip King’s See How They Run as Ida, and in Jeanne and Sam Bobrick’s Weekend Comedy as Jill.
In real life, her weekdays are spent with the lovely students at Wildwood School and she also does the bookkeeping and payroll for the IT business she owns with her husband.
Nicole wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the crew and director, who have done so much to bring this show to life. Thanks also to the MFT partners and serving staff for all the hard work they do to make it possible for people like her to do what they love.
Dawn Bell
"Inspector Goring"
Dawn is so excited to be on stage yet again with Mini Fridge Theatre Company! Having last appeared as Peggy (the tolerant but beleaguered wife) in Jeanne and Sam Bobrick’s Weekend Comedy, she’s super stoked to be stealthily sleuthing in this sneaky stage play.
Dawn hopes you enjoy the murder…oops, show! Ha!
Stay tuned for whodunnit!
Rachelle Kosokowsky
"Daria Chase"
This will be Rachelle’s ninth production with Mini Fridge and — believe it or not — her first Christmas show! Fun fact: this will also be her second show being stored in a closet... there appears to be a theme!
If you find Daria Chase annoying, self-absorbed, and barely tolerable during this show, then Rachelle will be pleased as punch that she fulfilled her job.
Thanks again for supporting Mini Fridge Theatre Company!
Collin Semenoff
Director
This show has been on Collin’s radar for several years and he’s excited to finally bring it to life with such a talented and dedicated cast and crew. Apart from his work with his business partners managing MFT’s marketing, communications, and other behind-the-scenes logistics, Collin’s previous credits with Mini Fridge Theatre Company include directing Georges Feydeau’s Mixed Doubles and performing in Norm Foster’s The Long Weekend and Neil Simon’s Last of the Red Hot Lovers.
It's important to get out in this crazy world, laugh, and have fun in the company of others — because, in dog years, we’re all dead!
Collin would like to dedicate this show to his partner, family, and friends for their support and patience while he's been deep diving in the business of theatre and the magic of make-believe.
Thank you for supporting local theatre!
Krystina Koc
Stage Manager
After being involved in three productions for MFT’s seventh season, Krystina knew she had to ensure she was in at least one production for Season 8! After 13 years in the theatre world, Krystina has dabbled in acting, directing, and stage management.
She is thrilled to be behind the scenes making sure that the show is a success and hopes that you enjoy the performance!
Brookelynn Allan
Assistant Stage Manager
Brookelynn has been a part of the MFT family for four shows — usually on stage helping the play come to life for you to enjoy. For this show, she decided to step back behind the scenes once again as assistant stage manager.
She previously dabbled in the wonders of stage management for Marc Camoletti’s Don’t Dress for Dinner and decided to give it another shot in this exciting comedy thriller.
She hopes you enjoy the show!
Alex Phillips
Lights & Sound
Alex is from Tisdale and is currently working his second season at MFT.
Bar menu
NOTE: Prices do not include applicable taxes
BEER
Great Western Original 16 (can, $7)
GW Light (can, $7)
Seasonal malt lager by 9 Mile Legacy Brewing (16 oz pint, $10)
WHITE WINE
Domaine Gaudet Beaujolais Blanc
by the bottle only, $48
Selbach Detzemer Riesling
by the bottle only, $40 (while quantities last)
House White
6 oz glass: $7 / 9 oz glass: $10 / Half litre (~17 oz): $19
RED WINE
Peter Lehmann Barossan Shiraz
by the bottle only, $48
House Red
6 oz glass: $7 / 9 oz glass: $10 / Half litre (~17 oz): $19
HIGHBALLS & CAESARS
$7 single / $11 double
Lucky Bastard Vodka
Lucky Bastard Gambit Gin
Bacardi Amber Rum
Bacardi Dark Rum
Lamb's Classic White Rum
Wiser's Rye
Caesar
All highballs are served with a choice of soft drink (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Tonic, or Ginger Ale)
DRINK SPECIALS
$7 single / $11 double
The Red Herring (1 oz)
Cranberry juice, vodka, and sparkling Prosecco, served with frozen cranberries and slice of lime
The Peppermint Plot Twist (1 oz)
Crème de menthe and chocolate liqueur with freshly brewed coffee and topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candy
NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Soft Drinks
$2.50
Coffee & Tea
Complimentary/Free
Tea options: Orange Pekoe, Peppermint, Green Tea, Chamomile (decaf), and Apple Cinnamon (decaf)
Soft drink options: Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and Ginger Ale
COMING THIS FEBRUARY...
MFT is pleased to present another comedy from renowned Canadian playwright Norm Foster — author of The Ladies Foursome!
Join us for Sinners, opening Feb. 8!
While you're at it, follow @minifridge306 on Facebook and Instagram or join our mailing list to stay in the loop and be notified about upcoming events!
Thank you for supporting local theatre!
"The story hilariously makes light of grossly mistaken identities, extra marital affairs, and life's general chaos. [...] Simply a fun evening of theatre!"
— Melissa Giordano, Broadway World
What could possibly go wrong when a furniture store owner has an affair with the local minister's wife? Well... the situation becomes rather complicated when the minister comes home unexpectedly!
Join us and watch an intricate web of deceit become hilariously exposed as the police, members of the parish, and the women's auxiliary all get involved in the shenanigans!
** Pre-sale for MFT Season Pass Holders begins Dec. 21. Tickets go on sale to the general public Jan. 8. **
Staged by arrangement with Pam Winter, GGA www.ggagency.ca.
"The story hilariously makes light of grossly mistaken identities, extra marital affairs, and life's general chaos. [...] Simply a fun evening of theatre!"
— Melissa Giordano, Broadway World
What could possibly go wrong when a furniture store owner has an affair with the local minister's wife? Well... the situation becomes rather complicated when the minister comes home unexpectedly!
Join us and watch an intricate web of deceit become hilariously exposed as the police, members of the parish, and the women's auxiliary all get involved in the shenanigans!
** Pre-sale for MFT Season Pass Holders begins Dec. 21. Tickets go on sale to the general public Jan. 8. **