There are several different iterations of a series of plays “that go wrong” that have become popular in the last few years, and “Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Story,” now playing at the Hillbarn Theatre, joins their ranks. The conceit of the show is that a theatrical troupe in 1892 has arrived to put on a play version of the Sherlock Holmes story “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” but most of the actors, sets, and costumes have not yet arrived. Thankfully the actors playing Holmes and Watson are there, but it leaves three actors to fill in more than thirty roles. It is a situation that is ripe for the kind of farce for which Ken Ludwig is known. “Baskerville,” however, does not quite get where it needs to go, notwithstanding a terrific cast.
George Psarras is good as the infamous detective Sherlock Holmes. Even better, however, is Michael Champlin as his partner in solving crime Dr. Watson. The character of Watson is the glue that keeps this play together, and Champlin quite skillfully does the same for this production. Playing the other roles in the play, Darrien Cabreana is serviceable as Actor 2 and Ted Zoldan has some hilarious moments as Actor 1. The delightful Alicia M. P. Nelson was Actor 3, taking on a variety of roles and providing the most laughs. Nelson is a lot of fun to watch.
But it may be that the excellence of these performances undermined the concept of Ludwig’s play. Should it have been so polished? Remember, we’re talking about three actors playing actors having to take on thirty or so different roles on a moment’s notice. It seems to me that there should have been some flaws, hesitation, and uncertainty, in keeping with the conceit of the play. There were a couple of “oh crap, I’ve got to hurry to go and do something different” moments here and there, but it seems to me that more comedy could be gleaned if things went less smoothly. I think it could have been more comedically satisfying.
That being said, Leslie Martinson’s direction makes for a cohesive piece. Spense Matubang has lit Kevin Davies’ sets well. I found Nolan Miranda’s costume design teetering into more steampunk than period faithful, given that the conceit is that we are watching a theatre troupe of the period.
So there are good performances and laughs in a show that goes more smoothly than it really should have. Still, not a bad night spent at the theatre.
“Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Story” continues through October 22nd at the Hillbarn Theatre. For more information, click here.
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Rating: *** (For an explanation of Theatrestorm’s rating scale, click here.)
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“Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” Written by Ken Ludwig. Produced by Hillbarn Theatre and Conservatory. Director: Leslie Martinson. Scenic Designer: Kevin Davies. Sound Designer: Jeff Mockus. Lighting & Projections Designer: Spenser Matubang. Costume Designer: Nolan Miranda. Properties Designer: Cindy Ng. Intimacy Coordinator: Maya Herbsman. Fight Director: Steve Muterspaugh. Dialect Coach: Lynne Sofer.
Cast:
Sherlock Holmes: George Psarras. John Watson: Michael Champlin. Actor 1: Ted Zoldan. Actor 2: Darrien Cabreana. Actor 3: Alicia M. P. Nelson.
TheatreStorm 