ABOUT THE SHOW
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. The danger and laughter are non-stop in this glittering whodunit set during the Christmas holidays.
“Ken Ludwig’s The Game’s Afoot is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc, a Concord Theatricals Company.
Originally Produced by Cleveland Play House | Michael Bloom, Artistic Director Kevin Moore, Managing Director
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
“WILLIAM GILETTE” – Rob Hartley | Rob started his acting career with ABC Let’s Act in 2010’s Cinderella’s II. Rob continued with ABC Let’s Act, taking lessons and acting in several productions including as Oscar Madison in “The Odd Couple”. He’s appeared as Philip Lombard in Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None”, dual roles in M*A*S*H* as both Trapper John and Colonel Blake, and Howard Fine in Kenneth Lonergan’s “The Waverly Gallery”. He owes his love of this craft to his mentor, teacher and director Mandy Tulloch.
“MARTHA GILETTE” – Deborah Black | Deborah has a long love of theatre and has appeared in several community theatre productions in Greater Vancouver and in her hometown of Calgary, Alberta. Mind you…that was a long time ago, and Holmes for the Holidays is her first full-length theatre performance in over 20 years! She is thrilled to have the opportunity to appear in such a clever and humorous whodunnit!
“FELIX GEISEL” – Mike Blackstock | This is Mike Blackstock’s theatrical debut. Many months of acting instruction with Tulloch Academy reignited his passion for acting he remembers back in high school long ago. Dr. Blackstock is a long time resident of Coquitlam, the father of two sons, a freelance technology advisor and instructor and a PhD in Computer Science from UBC.
“MADGE GEISEL” – Olympia Tomasta | Olympia Tomasta is an actor and creator based in Vancouver B.C. She is best known for her work on the Black Box memory tryptic (RECORD, REWIND + REPLAY, RECALL) at Simon Fraser University (2022) and as Horace Vandergelder in Hello Dolly (2018). She is currently studying for a BFA in Theatre Performance at Simon Fraser University.
“SIMON BRIGHT” – Braedon Grover Sunnes | Braedon is a recent graduate from the School of Arts Media and Culture (SAMC) with a BFA in Acting. Coming all the way from Oregon, he is excited to be in his third show in the Fraser Valley, and in his first show with Tulloch academy. This last year, you may have seen him inSAMC’s Bright Star, or Bard in the Valley’s Measure for Measure. Braedon dare’s you to dive into the mystery that is Holmes for the Holidays.
“ANGIE WHEELER” – Snezhana Bykova | Snezhana Bykova is delighted to be making her theatre debut with the play Holmes for the Holidays. Back in 2019, Snezhana graduated from the Acting program at Vancouver Film School and then continued to pursue her studies at University of British Columbia. Shortly after graduation, Snezhana continued taking acting classes at Mcilroy & Associates studio and most recently at Anthony Meindl’s studio. She has participated in a digital actor showcase Artist2Artist and got to the top 20 actors in the city, which gave her many exciting opportunities. At the moment, she is looking forward to be a part of the British TV Show “The Power” and cannot wait for her Indie Film “Keeper of the Reel” to be released. Snezhana Bykova is a Russian-Ukrainian actress who have lived in many European countries, learning a lot about different cultures, languages, cuisines, and different forms of arts. Coming from a very artistic family, Snezhana highly appreciates classical theatre and ballet. Since a young age, she loved telling stories, performing poems and monologues. However, Snezhana never thought of starting a professional acting career until she went to Vancouver Film School. After working with many incredible teachers at VFS, acting became a very significant part of Snezhana’s life. She says, “I’m humbled to have the chance to work in the film and theatre industry with so many talented and beautiful souls”. Snezhana continues taking acting classes at Mcilroy & Associates studio and most recently at Anthony Meindl’s studio. She got a chance to meet many Vancouver’s filmmakers and participated in local projects such as RunNGun and STORYHIVE. At the moment Snezhana is represented by Dorothy S Management, and just recently book a role in the British TV Show called The Power. She is also very excited to be a part of the Indie World in Vancouver and cannot wait for the release of her film called “Keeper of the Reel” directed by Jason William Lee. Besides acting, Snezhana enjoys volunteering at the Canadian Red Cross where she takes care of the health equipment and helps elder people. As a recently graduated student from the International Relations program at UBC, Snezhana aspires to work for organization that sings to life the work of social, environmental justice and make a positive impact on people and businesses.
“INSPECTOR GORING” – Helen Volkow | Helen’s onstage journey has spanned a few decades, and she has worked with some of the best. As a young student just out of high school, she was mentored by Antony Holland, a legend in Vancouver’s theatre world, when she enrolled in his Vancouver City College Two-Year Theatre Arts Program which was the forerunner of today’s Studio 58. Helen continues to work in stage plays and musicals around the lower mainland.
“DARIA CHASE” – Kristen Woodrow | Since making her debut in grade 3 playing the Ghost of Christmas Past, Kristen is thrilled to continue her acting journey working under the direction of Mandy Tulloch! Kristen considers herself privileged to have played Gladys Green in The Waverly Gallery and will be forever grateful for that experience.Other past theatre performances include multiple roles in select scenes from Neil Simon’s body of work; including Bella in Lost in Yonkers, Norma Hubley in Plaza Suite, and Gwendolyn Pigeon in The Odd Couple, as well as Janice Fury, Dean Mercy Lodge, and Fritzi Bonwit in M*A*S*H, and Vera Claythorne in And Then There Were None. Kristen is excited to take on the role of Daria Chase in this production of Holmes for the Holidays, under the tutelage of such a talented director and alongside such a wonderful and talented cast.
DIRECTOR – Mandy Tulloch | Mandy’s first teachers (Julie Andrews Mum and Aunt) inspired Mandy at a very young age to pursue her dreams. She went on to attend The Barbara Speakes Stage School in London England with Dame Barbara Speake and not only became the Junior All Round Cup winner, but had earned over 100 commercial credits to her name by the time she was 10 years old! “A Princess of Commercials”. Mandy is currently the Managing Artistic Director of Tulloch Academy where she has provided classes, shows and workshops in theatres, school and learning centres.
The participation of this Artist is arranged by permission of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association under the provisions of the Dance-Opera-Theatre Policy
STAGE MANAGER / PRODUCER / SET BUILDER / LIGHTING & SOUND DESIGN – Allan Soper | Allan has been involved in theatre for over a decade now in various roles, he is excited to be stepping into a new role and co-producer of Holmes for the Holidays with Mandy. Allan has been on the stage in many productions MASH, Hawaiian myths and Legends, and Canada 150 to name a few, He has also Choreographed many Martial arts pieces in many of Mandys shows as well. Allan Spent a year in film during Covid learning some of the movie magic.This has been many years in the making as Covid put a pause on the plans of this show, but now we are back. So after a long hiatus, sit back, relax and enjoy the show.
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER / PROPS / COSTUMES – Makena Ram | Makena Ram has trained under Mandy Tulloch for over 20 years and has an extended background as a classical ballet dancer, having also trained at Goh Ballet Academy. After graduating from Goh Ballet in 2019 and dancing with the Youth Company, Makena is now studying at SFU for a BFA in dance. Makena’s forte is present as a professional choreographer but has also been a part of numerous productions as Assistant Stage Manager. With a great show and great cast, Makena hopes you truly enjoy the show!
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SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE!
Adults: $25 | Seniors: $20 | Students: $15