Repertory Philippines brings it Holmes with ‘The Game’s Afoot’

This is not an adage, just an observation after watching "The Game's Afoot" (or "Holmes for the Holidays"): It's better to start a little slow than to lose steam in the second act.

PHOTOS: Repertory Philippines

Repertory Philippines' first show of 2016 is an interesting whodunnit penned by Ken Ludwig in 2012, inspired by the crime-solving adventures of Sherlock Holmes and the American actor who popularized him, William Gillette. In the play, Gillette (Paul Holme) is shot in the arm post-performance onstage and while recuperating, he invites his co-actors and friends to his technologically advanced mansion to help figure out who tried to kill him (and then some).

The first act is a lengthy setup and introduction of characters, moving along in a lackadaisical manner. These are high society personalities after all and they seem to have all the time in the world to discuss Shakespeare and murders. By the second act though, the laughs and the twists go full throttle. "The Game's Afoot" throws some unexpected punches—and the cast deliver the blows effectively. You're bound to have a laugh or two, especially when the banter shifts from smartypants to witty, and the worst you could feel about the play is lukewarm.

Joy Virata as William Gillette's mother Martha steals most of the scenes, delivering her lines with great comedic precision. Pinky Amador as the theater critic Daria Chase is hardly recognizable—hats off to makeup (Ely Maalat) and costume (Bonsai Cielo). They also use Natalie Everett's stature quite humorously and she gives a committed performance as Inspector Goring of the Middlesex County Police Department.

Although she is just as dedicated as her fellow actors, Micaela Pineda's "Southern Belle" accent as Aggie Wheeler is a little distracting at times. Still, the eight-piece ensemble is able to share their enjoyment of the play with the audience and the show ends on a much higher note than expected.

The company has always excelled in performing farces and "The Game's Afoot" is no exception. There's thrill to be had in figuring out who the culprit is and amusement to be had in the way the reveal is done. Bonus laughs for people who know the literary references and puns. — BM, GMA News

"The Game's Afoot" runs until February 16, 2016 at Greenbelt Onstage Theater, Greenbelt 1, Makati City. Tickets available at TicketWorld.