“The Secret of Sherlock Holmes”
Shakespeare & Company, Lenox
Through October 28
By Shera Cohen
Just when you think you couldn’t possibly see another Sherlock Holmes play, movie, book, or PBS special, along comes Shakes & Co.’s current production of “The Secret of Sherlock Holmes.” Is it worth seeing this dark, brilliant, and tortured detective along with this faithful friend Watson again? Yes!
This look at Holmes is different from the norm, which makes it especially enjoyable. The play could easily be subtitled “Holmes & Watson,” as both men receive equal stage time. To date, Holmes’ mysteries have always included his sidekick Dr. Watson. But, did anyone ever think how Watson became Holmes’ friend, confidant, and housemate? Playwright Jeremy Paul did, and with the assistance of director Robert Walsh, they have created a relationship play about two men who we thought we knew so well – but perhaps not.
Michael Hammond (Holmes) and Dave Demke (Watson) are each Shakes & Co. “regulars.” Both are adroit at spouting Shakespeare’s language, or that of Wharton or Hawthorne. Paul’s crisply written script, which says much with few words, requires a talented duo to create the relationship between Holmes and Watson. These actors are up to the task, becoming their characters. This is the first Holmes’ story in which the audience learns about who Watson is, how he came to live on Baker Street, and why he stayed.
Often dark in mood (Holmes’ cocaine addition is important to the play), there is room for much humor, oftentimes very dry. The balance is well paced particularly in Act I. Walsh’s direction of Act II needs a couple of jumpstarts to move it along and it seems that the actors will succeed at doing this in upcoming performances.
The set is as perfect as anyone can imagine Holmes’ environment would be, literally ripped out of the pages of a London story. The play opens with a shadow of Holmes growing to 20 feet or so, then subsiding. This occurs again later on, both to the accompaniment of classical violin music.
Shakes & Co. has given its audiences a wonderful summer. Now enjoy the fall in Lenox with a trip back in time to London, mystery, the powers of deduction.
Through October 28
By Shera Cohen
Just when you think you couldn’t possibly see another Sherlock Holmes play, movie, book, or PBS special, along comes Shakes & Co.’s current production of “The Secret of Sherlock Holmes.” Is it worth seeing this dark, brilliant, and tortured detective along with this faithful friend Watson again? Yes!
This look at Holmes is different from the norm, which makes it especially enjoyable. The play could easily be subtitled “Holmes & Watson,” as both men receive equal stage time. To date, Holmes’ mysteries have always included his sidekick Dr. Watson. But, did anyone ever think how Watson became Holmes’ friend, confidant, and housemate? Playwright Jeremy Paul did, and with the assistance of director Robert Walsh, they have created a relationship play about two men who we thought we knew so well – but perhaps not.
Michael Hammond (Holmes) and Dave Demke (Watson) are each Shakes & Co. “regulars.” Both are adroit at spouting Shakespeare’s language, or that of Wharton or Hawthorne. Paul’s crisply written script, which says much with few words, requires a talented duo to create the relationship between Holmes and Watson. These actors are up to the task, becoming their characters. This is the first Holmes’ story in which the audience learns about who Watson is, how he came to live on Baker Street, and why he stayed.
Often dark in mood (Holmes’ cocaine addition is important to the play), there is room for much humor, oftentimes very dry. The balance is well paced particularly in Act I. Walsh’s direction of Act II needs a couple of jumpstarts to move it along and it seems that the actors will succeed at doing this in upcoming performances.
The set is as perfect as anyone can imagine Holmes’ environment would be, literally ripped out of the pages of a London story. The play opens with a shadow of Holmes growing to 20 feet or so, then subsiding. This occurs again later on, both to the accompaniment of classical violin music.
Shakes & Co. has given its audiences a wonderful summer. Now enjoy the fall in Lenox with a trip back in time to London, mystery, the powers of deduction.
Labels: berkshires, secret of sherlock holmes, shakespeare and co, theatre
