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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:  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.