The mystery-comedy, written by Ken Ludwig, is about a Broadway star who is well-known for playing Sherlock Holmes. He throws a dinner party that turns into a murder mystery filled with danger and hilarity.

Directed by Buzz Powers, the show kicks off Wednesday and runs through Saturday. The cast includes Tim Olson, Brad McIntyre, Heidi Nelson, Mari Newman, Rex Daisy, Jess Barkhaus, Mary Jo Laupp and Joan Meyer.

Powers is no stranger to the community theater scene.

“I’ve been doing community theater since 1971, not always with Hawkeye,” he said. “I’ve worked with other organizations, such as the Comedia Musica Players throughout that time. I’ve acted in more shows than I’ve directed.”

-Photo by Buzz Powers
Jess Barkhaus and Joan Meyer rehearse a scene for Hawkeye Community Theatre's upcoming performance of "The Game's Afoot."

After agreeing to direct a show, Powers began the search for a good script.

“This last year, my wife Ann and I read the script (for “The Game’s Afoot“). I had offered to direct a show for Hawkeye this year and we were looking for a show to do,” Powers said. “We read the script, and it is probably one of the best scripts I’ve ever read. Ken Ludwig wrote it and it won the Edgar Award for best play.

“It’s an excellent script,” he added. “It’s very clever with a lot of word play. Overall, it’s very funny with a nice little mystery on top of that that will keep people guessing all the way through.”

Directing a show is hard work, said Powers, and finding the right people to fill the parts is key.

“We have a really good cast,” said Powers. “That’s always the hardest thing with community theater, finding people who will fit into the parts, and we’ve done a really good job. The only thing I regret is that I can’t be in it myself, but it’s a very good show.”

-Photo by Buzz Powers
From left to right: Mari Newman, Brad McIntyre, Heidi Nelson, Tim Olson and Rex Daisy act out a scene from Hawkeye Community Theatre's upcoming performance of "The Game's Afoot."

However, every good show needs an audience.

“I hope to see a big crowd. Hawkeye Community Theatre is a really good theater in this area, and I think it’s a pretty underappreciated aspect of Fort Dodge,” said Powers. “Fort Dodge is pretty active when it comes to live theater, and Hawkeye is probably one of the oldest ones in the area.”

The show will run nightly at 7 p.m. from Wednesday through Saturday, with an additional 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the box office.

If you go

What: “The Game’s Afoot”

-Photo by Buzz Powers
From left to right: Joan Meyer, Heidi Nelson, Brad McIntyre, Tim Olson, Jess Barkhaus, Rex Daisy and Mari Newman rehearse a scene for “The Game’s Afoot” recently at Hawkeye Community Theatre.

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: Hawkeye Community Theatre, 521 N. 12th St.

Tickets: $10 for adults, available online at the Hawkeye Community Theatre at hawkeyetheatre.com Click on “box office” to purchase tickets.

For more information, call 515-576-6061 or email hawkeye@hawkeyetheatre.com.

-Photo by Buzz Powers
Brad McIntyre, Heidi Nelson and Tim Olson rehearse a scene for “The Game’s Afoot” recently at Hawkeye Community Theatre. The show runs Wednesday through Saturday this week.

-Photo by Buzz Powers
Mari Newman, Rex Daisy and Mary Jo Laupp rehearse a scene for “The Game’s Afoot” recently at Hawkeye Community Theatre.