Holmes & Watson is Full of Twists, Turns and Surprises

Holmes & Watson  by Jeffrey Hatcher

Directed by David Ellenstein

North Coast Repertory Theater, Solana Beach CA

Through November 18^th

Article by Cathy Breslaw

Holmes & Watson is Full of Twists, Turns and Surprises

Playwright Jeffrey Hatcher’s Holmes & Watson keeps playgoers on the edge of their seats with mystery, humor and good old fashion entertainment. The play takes place three years after the apparent death of detective Sherlock Holmes at the hands of his arch enemy Professor Moriarty, off the Reichenbach Falls. Mostly set at an asylum in Scotland, Dr. Watson receives a mysterious telegram suggesting Holmes is still alive. Sent by the doctor at the asylum, Dr. Evans explains that three patients in his care are each claiming to be the late Sherlock Holmes. Dr. Watson embarks on a journey to investigate these claims. As the play progresses, Dr. Watson interviews each one, and the audience has to wrestle with whether Sherlock Holmes is in fact alive. Scenic designer Marty Burnett, Light Designer Matthew Novotny, and Sound Designer Chad Lee Thymes together create a marvelous dark, cold and mysterious ambience and atmosphere around which the play takes place. The digital projections and special effects added an important dimension to the experience of this play.  The acting by Richard Baird (Dr. Watson), Si Osborne (Dr. Evans), Jacob Sidney (Holmes 1), Drew Parker (Holmes 2) and Christopher M. Williams (Holmes 3) all give multi-dimensional and intriguing performances. Alice Sherman (The Woman and Nurse) and J. Todd Adams (Orderly) both add significantly to the stellar cast of this production. Could Sherlock Holmes still be alive? Come and determine for yourselves….at the North Coast Repertory Theater in Solana Beach. The play runs through November 18^th.