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Christmas, and a bit of mystery, come to the County Seat

If you're in the mood for a great holiday mystery, the answer is simply elementary: go and enjoy the County Seat Theater's production of "The Game's Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays."

It is December 1936, and Broadway star William Gillette (portrayed by CST newcomer Ryan Klawitter) - admired the world over for his leading role in the play Sherlock Holmes - 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. It is then up to Gillette himself, as he assumes the persona of his beloved Holmes, to track down the killer before the next victim appears. The danger and hilarity are nonstop in this glittering whodunit set during the Christmas holidays.

Playwright Ken Ludwig's pieces are nothing new to the County Seat Theater stage.

"Our audiences have loved the witty and fast-paced dialogue in shows such as 'Moon Over Buffalo' and 'Leading Ladies,'" said County Seat general manager Joel Soukkala. "I have no doubt if you are looking to laugh and be entertained, this show is just what you are looking for."

The Game's Afoot runs Friday, Nov. 30 through Dec. 2 and December 6-9. Reserve your tickets early, as some performances are already sold out.

Coming soon at the Encore!

"One Christmas Carol" by Douglas H. Baker is a one-man tour de force starring Rick Breuer. The story is an intimate and spirited evening of theater that everyone in the family will love, says County Seat general manager Joel Soukkala.

Dickens' famous story about selfishness and selflessness is stripped down to its bare essence, forgoing the usual opulence of the holidays and focusing on what is of utmost importance during the season. No scenery, no costumes - just one actor and a timeless story.

The one-man show will run Dec. 14-15 and 20-23.

"This year we began a new program called our Seat of Your Pants Productions, which will feature and challenge our veteran performers in a different type of setting," Soukkala said. "They are lower-budget and rehearsed off-site and will expose our audiences to different styles of theater but of the same quality you have come to expect from the County Seat Theater."

As a holiday gift, CST is offering half-price tickets to "One Christmas Carol" to anyone attending "The Game's Afoot."