The Butler Little Theatre kicks off the holiday season with its offering, “The Game's Afoot” running through Dec. 3.

Set during the holiday season, the show is a perfect balance of a comedy and whodunit with a delightful cast of characters.

The somewhat stilted slow opening of the show is due to the play with a play arrangement, but it quickly gives way to a quirky and a murderously enjoyable whodunit.

The mother and son Gillettes are an interesting pair and expertly cast.

Jeff Carey's larger-than-life portrayal was fitting for the self-inflated and dramatic William Gillette whose near death experience prompts him to unravel the mystery behind the shooting. Carey's delivery and sleuthing skills were skilled and comedic.

The role of Martha Gillette was played by Amy Dittman. The hairstyle has me wondering, but the play was set in the 1930s. She was hilarious as the exasperated mother who could turn into a mother bear if anyone talked to or about her precious Willie in a similar fashion. She was sweet, sardonic and sassy, all rolled into one.

Max and Madge Geisel, longtime friends of Gillette, and fellow actors were played by Caleb Boggs and Danielle Jacobson. Their rapport with each other and the Gillettes was believable, filled with familiarity and fun banter. Jacobson's wit and ease provided balance to Boggs' more calculated approach.

The young guns in the show, Simon Bright and Aggie Wheeler, were a sweet pair at first blush. Bright's bumbling and over-the-top gushing starstruck demeanor was fitting. Wheeler's demure stage presence was credible.

It was delightful to see the talented Terri Schultz back on stage in a role perfect for her skills. She nailed the role of the snooty and caustic Daria Chase. The role required a certain amount of physical comedy as well, which she capably delivered in spades.

Alison Carey who was drafted at the last minute to play Inspector Goring was quite entertaining and mastered the task seemingly effortlessly. Eccentric and unpredictable she was not the typical inspector.

The set design was remarkable and ingenious, both aesthetically and mechanically, effectively transporting the audience to a New England mansion.

WHAT: Butler Little Theatre Presents “The Game’s Afoot”WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday; Nov. 26 to Dec. 3.WHERE: The Butler Little Theatre, 1 Howard St.TICKETS: $12; to reserve, call 724-287-6781 Monday to Friday, from 7 to 9 p.m., or reserve online at www.bltgroup.orgINFO: www.bltgroup.org