Sherlock Holmes

REVIEW:  Gloucester Stage Company’s ‘Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson – Apt 2B’ a puzzling comedy

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Sherlock has always had its passing comical moments. 

Though considered a mystery-crime drama, Sherlock Holmes has delved into quirky territory featuring an eccentric lead in Sherlock Homes and his various idiosyncrasies.  Holmes is a deductive and egocentric genius who considers emotion irrelevant and crosses paths with Dr. Watson who is reasonable, but also carries emotional weight in various situations.  They are both brilliant in their own way and together, a force to be reckoned with.

Gloucester Stage Company’s production of Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B, by playwright Kate Hamill in Gloucester, MA. The production is directed by Rebecca Bradshaw, and stars Erin O’Sullivan and Ms. Sherlock Holmes; Breezy Leigh as Dr. Joan Watson; Stephen Shore as Inspector Lestrade, Elliot Monk, and Others; and Grace Experience as Irene Adler, Mrs. Hudson, and Others. © 2025 Shawn G. Henry • 978-590-4869 GSC-250903-Holmes+Watson_351

Directed by Rebecca Bradshaw, Gloucester Stage Company continues Kate Hamill’s comedic murder mystery spoof Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson – Apt 2b live and in person at Gloucester Stage Company in Gloucester, Massachusetts through Saturday, September 27.  This wild production features adult humor and is a lengthy two hours and 15 minutes with a 15 minute intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Based on numerous stories and four novels by Sir Author Conan Doyle, the legend of Sherlock Holmes has been adapted many times which includes satire and parodies, but this classic tale tends to be at its best through its thrilling, haunting and suspenseful moments as the mystery unfolds.  That is when I think Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson – Apt 2B is also at its best.

Gloucester Stage Company’s production of Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B, by playwright Kate Hamill in Gloucester, MA. The production is directed by Rebecca Bradshaw, and stars Erin O’Sullivan and Ms. Sherlock Holmes; Breezy Leigh as Dr. Joan Watson; Stephen Shore as Inspector Lestrade, Elliot Monk, and Others; and Grace Experience as Irene Adler, Mrs. Hudson, and Others. © 2025 Shawn G. Henry • 978-590-4869 GSC-250903-Holmes+Watson_281

Set in London in the spring of 2021, Stephen Shore performs multiple roles including a chilling Narrator.  As Shore’s face illuminates in an eerie glow while Shore’s charismatic and elegant vocals start to reveal the tale, I was excited for what was in store.  Shore is a talented and charismatic presence standing out in this production.

Gloucester Stage Company’s production of Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B, by playwright Kate Hamill in Gloucester, MA. The production is directed by Rebecca Bradshaw, and stars Erin O’Sullivan and Ms. Sherlock Holmes; Breezy Leigh as Dr. Joan Watson; Stephen Shore as Inspector Lestrade, Elliot Monk, and Others; and Grace Experience as Irene Adler, Mrs. Hudson, and Others. © 2025 Shawn G. Henry • 978-590-4869 GSC-250903-Holmes+Watson_124

 However, even with its scattered suspenseful moments, this production is mostly a quirky pop cultured peppered comedy where freelance detective Sherlock meets Dr. Watson in the contemporary world to solve a mystery. 

Kristin Loeffler’s sliding set boasts that classic Sherlock fireplace with twin bookcases, skeleton and wooden doors illuminated by Deb Sullivan’s evocative and ghastly red lighting as well as Julian Crocamo’s ticking and classical sound design.

I appreciated the dynamic between Breezy Leigh as excitable and frank New Yorker Ms. Watson who seems firmly planted in the contemporary world while aside from new age meditation and vaping, Eryn O’Sullivan’s Sherlock seems in every other way from the past rebuffing technology and relying solely on the mind and the written word for everything.  O’Sullivan brings an over the top cryptically calm detachment, frequent disdain and pretension while Dr. Watson is so excitable and squeamish, it became difficult to believe that Ms. Watson was ever a level headed doctor.    

Gloucester Stage Company’s production of Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B, by playwright Kate Hamill in Gloucester, MA. The production is directed by Rebecca Bradshaw, and stars Erin O’Sullivan and Ms. Sherlock Holmes; Breezy Leigh as Dr. Joan Watson; Stephen Shore as Inspector Lestrade, Elliot Monk, and Others; and Grace Experience as Irene Adler, Mrs. Hudson, and Others. © 2025 Shawn G. Henry • 978-590-4869 GSC-250903-Holmes+Watson_058

The production delivers major characters from the classic Sherlock novels featuring some enviable costume selections by Chelsea Kerl, especially displayed in Grace Experience’s red velvet suit and fabulous bejeweled shoes.  Portraying multiple roles, Grace Experience zings from a peculiar cockney-accented housekeeper to a bold and clever seductress while having a great time in each swift transformation.

Gloucester Stage Company’s production of Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B, by playwright Kate Hamill in Gloucester, MA. The production is directed by Rebecca Bradshaw, and stars Erin O’Sullivan and Ms. Sherlock Holmes; Breezy Leigh as Dr. Joan Watson; Stephen Shore as Inspector Lestrade, Elliot Monk, and Others; and Grace Experience as Irene Adler, Mrs. Hudson, and Others. © 2025 Shawn G. Henry • 978-590-4869 GSC-250903-Holmes+Watson_409

However, I still longed for more thrills and less clutter.  Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson Apt. 2b feature a murder mystery, but comedy is king in this production and among so many comedic distractions, it became difficult to get invested in the mystery. While it has some self aware humor and creative silliness in a certain train scene, it seems to meander too often without striking a real balance between humor and suspense. As a fan of Kate Hamill’s great work most recently in The Odyssey and Austen’s Emma, I was just longing for something more.

Gloucester Stage Company’s production of Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B, by playwright Kate Hamill in Gloucester, MA. The production is directed by Rebecca Bradshaw, and stars Erin O’Sullivan and Ms. Sherlock Holmes; Breezy Leigh as Dr. Joan Watson; Stephen Shore as Inspector Lestrade, Elliot Monk, and Others; and Grace Experience as Irene Adler, Mrs. Hudson, and Others. © 2025 Shawn G. Henry • 978-590-4869 GSC-250903-Holmes+Watson_198

Gloucester Stage Company continues Kate Hamill’s comedic murder mystery Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson – Apt 2b live and in person at Gloucester Stage Company in Gloucester, Massachusetts through Saturday, September 27.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW:  Wild high jinks take shape in Central Square Theater’s spooky madcap spoof ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Expect anything and everything to happen as things go bump in the night in this version of The Hound of the Baskervilles.

A striking lass, peculiar locals, a mustachioed stranger, a hobby horse, a stubborn stagehand, wacky beards and hefty accents are all part of this treacherous journey through the moor in Central Square Theater’s spooky and madcap spoof, The Hound of the Baskervilles by Steven Canny and John Nicholson continuing live and in person at Central Square Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts through Sunday, October 6.  Wildly directed by Lee Mikeska Gardner and very loosely based on Doyle’s legendary tale, this zany and semi-interactive production runs two hours and 15 minutes including an intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Sarah Morin, Jenny S. Lee, and Aimee Doherty in Central Square Theater’s ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ Photo by Maggie Hall

The Hound of the Baskervilles is no stranger to adaptations.  Based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s 1903 classic Sherlock Holmes crime novel, The Hound of the Baskervilles has been adapted into dozen of films and TV shows including a 1978 British parody film starring Peter Cook and Dudley Moore.  The actual tale is a chilling and puzzling foray into a mysterious crime and is considered one of Doyle’s best novels.

Haunting, comical and spontaneous is this mystery spoof that mixes the classic with the contemporary while still loosely sharing Doyle’s legendary tale as it veers into several comedic detours along the way.

Sarah Morin and Aimee Doherty in Central Square Theatre’s ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ Photo by Maggie Hall

A full moon, distant howling and a single illuminated ghost light kick off the foreboding and eerie demeanor of Central Square Theater’s Hound of the Baskervilles as David Bryan Jackson’s dynamic sound design along with John R. Malinowski’s spooky lighting navigate the haunting, humorous, and spontaneous elements of this swiftly shifting production that is not limited to the stage.

While generally not a big fan of spoofs, this self aware trio takes improvisation, physical humor, and even miming to new heights led by the ever impressive Aimee Doherty as herself, Holmes and others, especially during a zany expedition through Act II.  It is at times mind boggling to think how this jocular trio manages to keep track of which comedic detour they are addressing from moment to moment (never mind the accents!) changing identities, and what is real and what is all in disguise, but it seems all in good fun with a considerable dose of goofy silliness.

Sarah Morin and Jenny S. Lee in Central Square Theater’s ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ Photo by Maggie Hall

Costume designer Leslie Held delivers Sherlock sleuthing at its Edwardian finest complete with Harris Tweed deerstalker caps, wool gray and mustard colored coats, paisley ties, and top hats mixed with some surprisingly whimsical selections as well.  The production also swings from vintage into the contemporary in remarkable self aware fashion.  Spoofing deductions about deducing is Doherty as Holmes who must solve the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville.  Did he die of a heart attack or were there darker forces at work?  Doherty’s comic timing is particularly sharp during a train sequence in which Doherty portrays a repetitive train conductor.  Jenny S. Lee is more than game as admiring and a bit dim Watson, Sherlock’s sidekick.  It is amusing to watch Doherty playfully tease Lee as Watson from time to time as they both attempt to solve this ‘jigsaw’ puzzle of a case.  Lee is a fun sidekick, has engaging chemistry with Doherty, and stands as a firm Robin to Sherlock’s Batman. 

Jenny S. Lee and Aimee Doherty in Central Square Theater’s ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ Photo by Maggie Hall

Sarah Morin more than has her work cut out for her as not only Canadian Sir Henry Baskerville, but all in the family line not including the zany characters that Doherty and Lee meet along the way.  Trying to unravel this mystery and keep up with all the split second dress changes is a feat in itself. 

Sarah Morin and Jenny S. Lee in Central Square Theatre’s The Hound of the Baskervilles Maggie Hall

However, the greatest feat of all might be how the show manages to remain on course.  After all, The Hound of the Baskervilles is essentially a murder mystery and Holmes and Watson have a crime to solve.

Central Square Theater’s presents spooky madcap spoof, The Hound of the Baskervilles by Steven Canny and John Nicholson live and in person at Central Square Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts through Sunday, October 6.  Wildly directed by Lee Mikeska Gardner and very loosely based on Doyle’s legendary tale, this zany and semi-interactive production runs two hours and 15 minutes including an intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW:  Speaking out in Plays in Place’s ‘A Light Under the Dome’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

‘A breath, a heartbeat, and a prayer’

Wise words spoken directly from Plays in Place’s A Light Under the Dome and it was just what it took to muster speaker Angelina Grimké ’s strength and courage.  Stirringly portrayed by Amanda Collins, Grimké was the first woman to stand and speak out in front of the Massachusetts State Senate to fight for what is right.  What was brought to light was Grimké’s careful strategy, passion and the surrounding events that unfolded around a handful of humble yet powerful women who historically embarked together to brave their own struggles for the sake of others.

United we stand.

Directed poignantly and powerfully by Courtney O’Connor and commissioned by the National Park Service, Plays in Place presented Patrick Gabridge’s A Light Under the Dome for a limited sold out run with waiting list availability only from August 12 to 15 live and in person at the Senate Chamber of the MA State House in Boston, Massachusetts.  The production was approximately one hour with no intermission.  Click here for more information and for more on Plays in Place.

The Senate Chamber of the MA State House is the setting for Plays in Place’s ‘A Light Under the Dome’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

Plays in Place has been noted for taking a significant historical moment in time and infusing it with multiple perspectives as the audience witnesses it in the place where it happened. It is the first of three plays of the Suffrage in Black and White series commissioned by the National Park Service.  A Light Under the Dome examines the scope of Grimké’s significant speech and its effects on this united group of women and the turmoil surrounding them.  It was not just the reenactment of the speech itself, but included the build up and the fallout surrounding this occurrence.

Amanda Collins as Angelina Grimké in Plays in Place’s ‘A Light Under the Dome’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

Amanda Mujica’s colorful period costumes ranged from stripes to plaids to puffed sleeves combined with Rachel Padula-Shufelt’s well coiffed wigs to make each well adorned and inspiring individual stand out in their own distinct way.  Collins as Grimké embodied a string of emotions through wringing hands, hesitation and anxiety to make the speech of her life in front of thousands back in 1838 only held up by the women who supported her. 

Regine Vital as Julia Williams Bridgette Hayes as Lydia Marie Child and Thomika Marie Bridwell as Susan Paul in Plays in Place’s ‘A Light Under the Dome’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

Though it was not thousands that surrounded Collins’s exiled Southerner Grimké when she made her personable, articulate and convincing speech about women’s rights which included suffrage as well as abolishing slavery like it was on that pivotal day on February 21, 1838, it was no less an immersive experience as the audience was welcomed to open seating inside the pristine and regal senate chambers while these five individuals freely roamed the room.  Surrounded by the detailed crown molding and towering chandelier in the Senate chambers, Andrew Duncan Will’s rich sound design articulated the commotion in the room and the looming chaos that erupted outdoors.  

American educator and abolitionist Susan Paul (Thomika Marie Bridwell), Anti-slavery and absolutist Maria Weston Chapman (Marge Dunn), Vice President of the Convention 1838 Anti-Slavery Women Lydia Marie Child (Bridgette Hayes), and Boston Female Anti-Slavery Society member Julia Williams (Regine Vital) surrounded repentant slave owner Grimké and all had vested interest and offered unyielding support to Grimké as their unique stories were weaved into the production.

Thomika Marie Bridwell as Susan Paul and Marge Dunn as Maria Weston Chapman in Plays in Place’s ‘A Light Under the Dome’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

Dunn, having starred as Sherlock Holmes in Greater Boston Stage Company’s Miss Holmes Returns, still masters that commanding gleam in her eye and knowing grin.  Chapman was a powerful and resourceful presence in the room and one that the other individuals looked to for guidance.  Each individual shared their personal lives including a particular highlight as Bridgette Hayes as Lydia Marie Child reflected that she married a man who was good with dreams but bad with money.   Regine Vital as Julia Williams was in a battle of her own fighting everyday to free her sister from slavery.  However, the camaraderie between these women was never so well depicted than when they marched arm in arm during the 1838’s historical day of terror.

Regine Vital as Julia Williams in Plays in Place ‘A Light Under the Dome’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

Gabridge’s script unveiled the hardships and grim reality of the freed in the north and the still enslaved in the south as the fight continued to abolish slavery and segregation.  These influential women fought for everything they have and still faced oppression from every side.  Gabridge’s script imbues a contemporary undertone that some aspects of Boston still have not changed including and not limited to Boston’s continuously sky high rent. 

L to R: Thomika Marie Bridwell as Susan Paul, Marge Dunn as Maria Weston Chapman, Amanda Collins as Angelina Grimké, Regine Vital as Julia Williams and Bridgette Hayes as Lydia Marie Child in Plays in Place’s ‘A Light Under the Dome’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

A Light Under the Dome was an informative and eye-opening experience while also expressing to the contemporary viewer to continue to call for change in today’s society and fight for what is right as well as a firm plea to love thy neighbor as thyself.

Directed poignantly and powerfully by Courtney O’Connor and commissioned by the National Park Service, Plays in Place presented Patrick Gabridge’s A Light Under the Dome for a limited sold out run with waiting list availability only from August 12 to 15 live and in person at the Senate Chamber of the MA State House in Boston, Massachusetts.  The production was approximately one hour with no intermission.  Click here for more information and for more on Plays in Place.

REVIEW:  The Game is Afoot for Greater Boston Stage Company’s world premiere of ‘Miss Holmes Returns’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Set in Victorian England, 221B Baker Street London is once again shrouded in a murder mystery.  However, the famous detective has another face this time…the lovely Miss Holmes.  With darting eyes taking in every last deduction in an ornate red and black waistcoat, this poker faced beauty seems incapable of being distracted from a case.  Portrayed with steely charisma by Marge Dunn with a knack for deadpan humor, Miss Holmes carries herself with ceaselessly logical and observational prowess, but this particular case just might be over her head. 

Richly written by Christopher M. Walsh and meticulously directed by Weylin Symes, Greater Boston Stage Company with Don Fulton New Works Project presents the world premiere of psychological murder mystery thriller Miss Holmes Returns live and in person at Greater Boston Stage Company in Stoneham, MA and now available virtually through Sunday, May 8.  The show is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes with one 15 minute intermission.  Click here for more information and tickets.

The cast and crew of Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘Miss Holmes Returns’ Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios/Greater Boston Stage Company

In the tradition of Sherlock Holmes or most murder mysteries, Miss Holmes Returns begins immediately with a murder as David Ramedios’s suspenseful violin-tinged score haunts the scene.  A man is murdered and Sherlock and Watson must assess the case as a mysterious woman associated with a group with a seemingly checkered past portrayed by Shubhangi Kuchibhotia, flees the scene.

Boasting an esteemed cast, the dynamic between each character remains faithful to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic characters.  Sherlock is not quite complete without a Watson and Shonna Cirone fits the bill as good humored, intuitive, and sharp Dr. Dorothy Watson.  The show shrewdly uses the flipped gender of this duo to its advantage. Both outspoken and resolute feminists, Dunn and Cirone share some fascinating and fun moments observing how these two differing, yet complementary personalities approach attempting to solve the crime.  They complement each other much like the classic Holmes and Watson duo and their untimely friendship. 

Alexander Platt as Mycroft Holmes and Marge Dunn as Miss Holmes Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios/Greater Boston Stage Company

Alexander Platt, in a dual role, depicts Sherlock’s stern and demanding brother Mycroft with a mysterious and villainous air.  Platt’s darker take on the character makes him much more fascinating. Cheryl McMahon, who was a delight in SpeakEasy Stage Company’s clever Admissions, is wonderful in a dual role which includes the feisty and humorous Mrs. Hudson, the landlady of 221B Baker Street.

Paul Melendy, who led the stellar cast of Greater Boston Stage Company’s recent The 39 Steps, impressively portrays warm and quirky Adam Worthington while Joshua Wolf Coleman as Inspector Geoffrey Lestrade of Scotland Yard assigned to the case, is enthralled by Sherlock’s keen observations on the scene.

Marge Dunn as Miss Holmes and Paul Melendy as Adam Worthington Photo courtesy of Nile Scott Studios/Greater Boston Stage Company

Fans of previous Sherlock adaptations will appreciate the various Easter eggs subtly scattered around set designer Katy Monthei’s vintage and stately scenery which includes colorful, vintage lamps, a selection of well worn books, double tier shelving, and floral-adorned furniture.  From Worthington’s rich green cravat to Lestrade’s black bowler hat to the detailed lace and velvet costumes to Sherlock’s amazing Victorian boots, costume designer Deidre McCabe Gerrard brilliantly captures the sophistication of Victorian England.

Miss Holmes Returns boasts fastidious dialogue as well as clever and comical moments as the plot thickens.  The show may be a bit lengthy in its deductions, but its various twists and turns are well worth finding out whodunit.

Greater Boston Stage Company with Don Fulton New Works Project presents the world premiere of psychological murder mystery thriller Miss Holmes Returns live and in person at Greater Boston Stage Company in Stoneham, MA and now available virtually through Sunday, May 8.  Click here for more information and tickets.