Photo by Lynn Lane, featuring the cast of Alley Theatre’s production of Ken Ludwig’s “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery”
The Alley Theatre makes a point to welcome everyone. In true Alley Theatre fashion, Ken Ludwig’s “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” is for everyone.
Whether you’re a theatre lover or a first-time attendee, a child or a grown adult, a Sherlock aficionado or can’t solve a mystery to save your life, the production, filled to the brim with rip-roaring good times and riotous laughter, truly has something for everyone.
Todd Waite, who is bidding The Alley farewell after 25 years as a member of the resident acting company, gives an extraordinary performance while reprising the role of Sherlock for his sixth and final time.
It truly feels like Waite was born to play this role. From the top of his head to the tips of his toes, he embodies it with such effortlessness and elegance. You cannot take your eyes off him.
He commands the stage and the audience’s attention with magnificent magnetism and masterful confidence. He is Sherlock Holmes.
Christopher Salazar, on the other hand, plays Watson, and in true Watson fashion, he holds down the fort.
Elizabeth Bunch endears herself to the audience in a remarkable fashion as a consistent comedic relief. She interacts with the audience, armed with such charisma.
Brandon Hearnsberger lends authenticity and realism to each of his characters which is welcomed and necessary in such a wacky production.
Dylan Godwin stands out. Within mere minutes of appearing on stage, he blows away the audience.
He exhibits his versatility, evoking in the audience a specific feeling toward and relationship with each new character he embodied.
His main recurring character begins as an eye-roll-inducing, stereotypical Texan, but by the end, winds up being an audience favorite.
While Ludwig’s script is fun, the Alley Theatre’s production of “Baskerville” truly brings it to life.
In the hands of the Alley’s cast and crew, the show sparkles.
John Coyne’s set design is both a stunning visual feast and a smart, sleek technical feat.
The lighting design by Alberto Segarra and sound design by Melanie Chen Cole work in concert to immerse the audience. Together they transcend time and space.
Sarah Cubbage’s costume design is the unsung hero of the entire production and acts as the glue holding it together.
The technical prowess of this theatre is on full display from start to finish, making it clear the audience is in very capable and competent hands.
The logistics of this production are surely a nightmare, which makes it all the more entertaining.
The number of costumes and quick changes is an unbelievably impressive feat. The way the actors switch between characters is captivating and exhilarating.
Among the many twists and turns this production has to offer, the unexpected romance at the story’s core elevates the piece.
The budding love story grounds the show with an emotional resonance. It feels prudent amidst the many chaotic character changes. It leaves the audience swooning, loudly “oohing” and “awing.”
The sweet romance provides something tangible—something the audience could root for, ultimately heightening the piece.
The chemistry between the cast is outstanding.
The beloved, familiar dynamic between Holmes and Watson as longtime friends and colleagues is executed perfectly.
Hearnsberger, Godwin and Bunch play over 40 different characters, all with distinct relationship combinations. These range anywhere from friends and siblings to fiancés and spouses, yet they all feel deeply authentic.
These actors can go from playing strangers one second to lovers the next without missing a beat. The respective relationships’ chemistries still translate loud and clear.
As if on the receiving end of a magic trick, the audience witnesses the actors’ chemistry transform seamlessly within seconds.
The pacing of the production feels almost preternaturally perceptive.
The shifts are calibrated at the exact right time.
The breakneck pace, physical comedy and clever conception make for a wild ride. Full of mystery and madness, the play does not take itself too seriously. It’s best if audiences don’t either.
They expertly tap into the ridiculousness and outlandishness, providing a necessary dosage of the medicine laughter.
The shared understanding between the audience and the cast cleverly lifts the curtain, establishing a unique relationship between fiction and reality for those in the room.
The tongue-in-cheek quality of the dialogue, the lines delivered with a wink and a nod and the repeated breaking of the fourth wall cultivate a unique and unforgettable theatergoing experience for everyone.
“Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” is still playing in the Hubbard Theatre. The show will run until May 4. The performance is a must-see.
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