The Butler Little Theatre is getting its game on in preparation for “The Game's Afoot, or Holmes for the Holidays” by Ken Ludwig set to open Thanksgiving weekend.

Under the direction of Paula Ferguson with Sis Fleming producing, the cast features some new as well as familiar faces to the BLT.

Set in the 1930s, Ludwig weaves the tale of a much admired Broadway star for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. Fun and frolic turn to murder and our main character channels his inner Sherlock to track down the killer. Danger and hilarity are a mile a minute in this fast paced comedy.

Jeff Carey of Butler stars in the role of William Gillette, the main character of the show.

“He is a professional, classically–trained actor from the first half of the 20th century, who, like many actors before and after him, takes himself way too seriously,” said Carey.

“Another character in the play (Felix) says the line that refers to the quip 'life imitates art' and that sentiment sums up me playing William,” he added.

Playing the character of Felix is Caleb Boggs of New Castle, who works as a personal trainer by day with the YMCA in New Castle.

“He is quite cynical and theatrical but gentlemanly and genuine,” Boggs said of Felix, his first portrayal in community theater.

“I fit this character so well because my personality is already so much like his. I am usually pretty quick on my feet and get to bring that trait to a character whose main job is wit,” he said.

The newcomer is enjoying the experience and learning a lot, he said.

“My favorite part of the process of this production is getting to know the other actors and see them as the humans they are, not their characters. Our director is wonderful and has been pushing us to be our best so we can give an honestly stellar performance, and it is teaching me so many useful things,” Boggs said.

Another newcomer to the BLT stage, Danielle Jacobson of Portersville, portrays Madge Geisel.

“Madge is a strong character who holds her own and isn't afraid to at least attempt to be the voice of reason. She's also fun-loving and able to put up with the shenanigans of the men in the show,” she said.

Much of Jacobson's performance relies on timely facial expressions.

“A great deal of what makes Madge who she is are the reactions she has of others around her,” Jacobson said.

Amy Dittman tackles the role of Martha Gillette.

“Martha is a feisty mother hen with a fierce devotion to her son and genuine warmth towards all those who are important to him. She is also a little flighty which makes her even more endearing,” Dittman said, adding that she shares similarities with her character.

“Martha demonstrates a sincere love for her family and friends. If anyone attempts to hurt one of them, it is Martha's sharp tongue and fierce glare to the rescue. I believe I love my family and friends with that same fierceness, that of a mother bear protecting her cubs,” she said.

Dittman loves the opportunity of being in a show which she describes as a thrill ride. “We did two weeks of table readings at the very beginning of rehearsals which I had never done before. It really helped with character development,” she said.

Dittman last appeared in the BLT production, “Come Blow Your Horn.”

The cast includes Cody Nagle, Brianna Stivason, Terri Schultz and Alison Carey.

WHO: Butler Little TheatreWHAT: “The Game’s Afoot, or Holmes for the Holidays” by Ken LudwigWHEN: Nov. 25 to Dec. 3, at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through ThursdayWHERE: One Howard St.TICKETS: $12, to reserve, call 724-287-6781 between 7 and 9 p.m. Mondays through FridaysINFO: www.bltgroup.org