The Game's Afoot Canadian Premiere: Thriller-Mystery is a Hit!

By Melanie Minty, Surrey Now

The game's afoot in White Rock. Literally. Peninsula Productions has done it again with a totally brilliant production of the comedy-thriller-mystery The Game's Afoot. The Canadian premiere of this play by Ken Ludwig played to an enthusiastic full house on opening night. It is absolutely totally delightful and an excellent choice for a summer live theatre event.

High praise for director Wendy Bollard. This play was definitely a challenge tons of details), and both cast and crew successfully achieved Bollard's vision for the production. Rebekah MacEwan - who gives an outstanding performance as Aggie - was quick to confide that Bollard had given her excellent direction."It helped me so much," MacEwan said. It was also a plus that she got to sing a bit as well. Beautiful voice, and a role that suited all her talents. Watch for her in future productions at Coast Capital Playhouse.MacEwan is not the only outstanding actor in the mix. Ben Odberg (Gilette) wowed White Rock audiences last year as Henry II in The Lion in Winter. He's done it again. Wow. David Quast, bitten by the acting bug in 1998, is a gift, and Everrett Shea admits that he has done a "lot of cool stuff." He can add this play to his list of achievements.

Loved Val Deardon as the dipsy Martha. Although usually seen at Vancouver's Metro Theatre, it is a definite delight to see Deardon on the White Rock stage. Mahara Sinclaire (Madge), and Michelle Collier (Inspector Goring) cannot be overlooked in the great performance category. Lori Tych (Daria) is sinister, evil, conniving, and, in her own words, whoo hoo! A successful production is more than just the director and the actors on the stage. Pat McClean produced perfectly period costuming and Beverley Siver's clever set design worked perfectly.

Occasionally it did "snow" outside the glass doors. Don't know who was responsible for this miracle, but it was noticed. Subtle.

Lighting and sound by Matt Vondette deserve full marks, and Daniel Pelletier delivered on the tricky props.All in all, The Game's Afoot is a winner.

Congratulations.