REVIEW: ‘Holmes and Watson’ at the Alley is anything but elementary
The Alley Theatre’s latest show, “Holmes and Watson” is one of the mystery-thriller variety. The play is an all-around thriller that leaves playgoers on the edge of their seats and minds for the entirety of the performance.
“Holmes and Watson” is a play written by Jeffrey Hatcher and picks up after the events of Reichenbach Falls. There is an overarching theme of mystery and wonder that dominates the play. Set in an asylum in Scotland, three men claim to be Sherlock Holmes. Dr. Evans, played by Bruce Warren, is the man who runs the asylum and he calls out to Dr. Watson, played by Jeremy Webb, to come help decipher who actually is the great detective.
Throughout the entirety of the action, there are two lingering questions that are prevalent in the audience’s mind: Who is the real Sherlock Holmes, and why does Dr. Evans want to know so badly? These questions are also the driving forces of the plot.
Mark Shanahan’s production of “Holmes and Watson” is tightly wound with exquisite comedic timing that is typical of the Sherlock Holmes realm.
The cast of characters that make up the show are all played superbly. From Jeremy Webb’s performance as Dr. Watson and his delightful mustache, all the way down to Noble Shropshire’s performance as the inspector, the cast does a wonderful job of bringing the atmosphere of Sherlock Holmes to life.
The most impressive performance of the night was Bruce Warren’s performance as Dr. Evans. Warren is the understudy for Rajeev Varma, who was unavailable to perform, and there was a seamless transition between the two. It was not easy to tell that Warren was the understudy, as he does an excellent job portraying the secretive, afraid and paranoid doctor. His motives are unknown for a majority of the play until he reveals them in order to get information from Watson.
The other characters on-stage understand their niche in the realm of the show and do a nice job of portraying that to the audience. The three Sherlock Holmes characters are each unique in their own way.
The first, portrayed by Jay Sullivan, portrays Sherlock as the quick whited, narcissistic and self-assured intellectual version of the detective that fans have come to love.
The second, portrayed by Dan Domnigues, portrays Sherlock as an unhinged being who is interrogative in nature. Domingues’ character is barefooted and bound by a straightjacket, which does not prevent him from performing some sweet physical spots either.
The third, portrayed by Chris Hutchison, is a blind, mute and deaf character who provides some great comedic spots.
Throughout the play, the audience is doing its best to try and solve the mystery before anyone on stage reveals it to them. However, with “Holmes and Watson”, it is best for the playgoer to allow themselves to be subjected to the controlled chaotic realm of Sherlock Holmes. By doing this, the audience member gains the full experience that comes with the British detective.
As for the look of the show, the set is very minimalistic; as it should be. The set allows enough room for interaction and activity, but does not overwhelm the audience. The lights and sound are very gothic-like, placing the audience in the late 1800’s-early 1900’s. The look of “Holmes and Watson” helps keep the viewer on their seats.
“Holmes and Watson” does everything that a Sherlock Holmes adaptation should do. It keeps the playgoer on the edge of their seats with mystery, laughing with the humor, and entertained with the character reveals. The show is a must-see for those who are Sherlock fans, but also allows those with little to no knowledge on Holmes to be entertained as well.
For more information on the show and how to purchase tickets, visit the Alley Theatre website. “Holmes and Watson” runs through July 22.
