With the fall season coming to a close, Flint Hill School’s theater department once again stunned students, parents, faculty, and visiting guests with a stellar theater production. This past weekend featured three performances of “The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays” on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. The production was directed by the Flint Hill Director of Fine Arts, Mr. Joshua McClymont, and featured spectacular work from students both onstage and backstage. Audience members were left laughing at jokes, gasping at dramatic twists in the plot, and, overall, thoroughly enjoying themselves. 

“The Game’s Afoot” is a comedy-mystery set in a 1930s Connecticut Mansion. It follows a troupe of actors attending a Christmas dinner party at the luxurious home of their lead, famous for playing the role of Sherlock Holmes. When a guest is found mysteriously dead after a séance-induced argument and past secrets are brought to light, the remaining cast members scramble to solve not just one, but three successful (and one attempted) murders. It was written by celebrated playwright Ken Ludwig and earned widespread praise in its initial tours.

Flint Hill’s production of “The Game’s Afoot” deserves no less acclaim than those that preceded it. An immediate standout was the exceptional set design, representing a beautifully built 1930s living room complete with Art Deco stairways and a rotating secret door to one side of the stage. “Every aspect of the play was amazing,” says cast member Audrey Hines ‘27, “This is the best play we’ve ever done in my opinion.”

The real thing that made the play special, however, was undoubtedly the efforts of the students participating in it. Actors Chloë Brafman Kittner ‘26, Audrey Hines ‘27, Allison O’Connor ‘27, Nick Reeder ‘28, Seth Stevens ‘27, Alec Sweet ‘27, Seth Walkenhorst ‘27, and Morgan Weis ‘27 all delivered electric performances that kept audience attention glued to the stage throughout the play’s duration. From bursting out into Shakespeare monologues to dramatically outlining the methods and motives behind the murders, these students’ theatrical talents were on full display. Comedic timing was also a highlight, with punchlines always at the exact right moment in every joke.

Behind the scenes, the production was supported by an excellent crew composed of Rowan Myers ‘26, Jack Ballinghoff ‘26, Gabe Almeter ‘29, Cillian Gray ‘27, Kaitlyn Hooper ‘29, Rebecca Wilkenfield ‘27, Clayton Robinson ‘28, Gwen Nurik ‘27, and Joey Musella ‘27. These helpful students controlled the lights, sound, and costumes throughout the production, making sure everything ran as smoothly as any play ever has. Their work backstage was phenomenal, and they were a huge part of the play’s success. 

Audience members were delighted by their experience watching the play. “I thought it was fuego [fire],” says Aitana Erazo ‘26, who saw the play on Friday.

Flint Hill’s theater productions are undoubtedly one of the highlights of the school community experience. Students interested in the performing arts should be sure to keep an eye out for spring musical tech and cast signups and performance details as the department rolls into its next production.