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The “The Game’s Afoot” cast is feeling a little deja vu.
The original March 2020 public performances were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
For 18 months, director Carol Ceynowa said the eight veteran actors and actresses kept practicing the murder mystery/comedy by Ken Ludwig using Zoom, limiting contact with each other to prevent the virus spread.
After rescheduling the public performances twice, the third time appears to be a go, even though COVID-19 cases are rising in Rock County.
“We could be in the same spot (to postponing again),” she said.
With their extra time, the cast has finetuned the timing with sound effects and with the dialogue for the plot that has many twists and turns.
“We have been able to add things because we have the luxury of time,” said Ceynowa, who is directing her ninth GEP production.
The group perfected a turntable bar, which spins to show a decorated Christmas tree on one side and a bar that can hide a human body on the other.
The cohesiveness of the actors and actresses was evident last week as the group practiced in person at the GEP building on Main Street Luverne.
“They are really a dedicated group,” Ceynowa said.
All but one of the original eight cast members return after the 18-month postponement.
Time commitments prevent Jim Harsma from portraying Inspector Henry Goring. Tim Ceynowa, who is the assistant director, now steps into the part.
“The Game’s Afoot” takes place in December 1936.
Admired actor William Gillette (portrayed by Casey McKenzie) is recovering at home after being shot in the arm during a cast call. The actor is known for his role in the play, “Sherlock Holmes.”
For Christmas, Gillette invites his fellow actors and actresses over to his Connecticut castle for a seven-day celebration. Invitees include Aggie Wheeler (played by Nicole Henrichs), Simon Bright (David Vis), Madge Geisel (Anissa Vis), and Felix Geisel (Shawn Kinsinger).
DJ Luethje is Gillette’s mother and Katie Walgrave is the gossip and play critic Daria Chase, who’s written several scathing reviews about everyone in the cast.
As the murder investigation gets underway, Gillette assumes his Sherlock Holmes persona to track down the killer before the next victim appears.
Through witty lines and lots of movement from cast members, the plot goes through various twists and turns, an element Ceynowa said drew her to direct the play.
The GEP production is on stage Friday through Sunday (Aug. 20-22) and again Thursday, Aug. 26, through Sunday, Aug. 29.
Sunday shows begin at 2 p.m. The other performances begin at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $14 for adults and $7 for students.
The Palace Box Office is open on Main Street Luverne from noon to 5 p.m. weekdays. Call 507-283-4339 for tickets.
Tickets are also available online at www.palacetheatre.us.