By Crystal Hayduk
If there is one word to describe the Purple Rose Theatre Company’s (PRTC) world premiere of Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Elusive Ear, it is spectacular.
PRTC dependably delivers excellence; every aspect of this play is genuinely sensational.
Michigan playwright David MacGregor has given his audience a never-before-seen view of the iconic Sherlock Holmes, and his friend, Dr. Watson. Holmes and Irene Adler – his strong and intelligent love interest – solve a mystery involving a beautiful French woman dressed in black, the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, and the Irish writer Oscar Wilde.
Set in December, 1888, MacGregor creatively marries fiction and non-fiction in this story teeming with suspense, comedy, and drama. Perceptive theatre-goers will be pleasantly challenged to identify allusions to historical books, paintings, and figures as well as current movies, including (spoiler alert) The Princess Bride.
Mark Colson portrays Sherlock Holmes as MacGregor wanted to see him – a brilliant private detective with a heart. Paul Stroili plays the impeccable Dr. John Watson, who tries to keep Holmes profitable.
Sarab Kamoo resurrects Irene Adler, a lively character with a bit of her own mystery. She adds vitality to the stage and transitions easily between her American and cockney accents as circumstances dictate.
Marie Chartier (Caitlin Cavannaugh) appears at Holmes’ residence in deep mourning garb, allegedly seeking his expertise and willing to pay handsomely for his services. Although each cast member’s accent was believable, her French accent was the most impressive. She and Adler engage in swordplay, during which special lighting effects help maximize the up-close-and-personal action within the space.
Tom Whalen delightfully interprets Vincent van Gogh, the Post-Impressionist artist who struggled with mental health issues. MacGregor has done his homework, incorporating some of the facts of van Gogh’s life and self-mutilation into his fictional mystery.
The dashing writer Oscar Wilde, played by Rusty Mewha, helps to support a solution to the primary problem facing Sherlock Holmes. Again, MacGregor includes factual material about Wilde’s life and work that makes the play not only entertaining, but fascinating.
Set designer Bart Bauer and property designer Danna Segrest have outdone themselves to recreate 221B Baker Street, London. If you can manage to take your seat as soon as the house opens, you still won’t have enough time to fully appreciate the amazing details on stage.
There’s a multi-level set, from the back-lit alcove functioning as a conservatory replete with plants, and an imagined fireplace downstage with a stocked hearth. Every surface, furnishing, item – whether ornamental or functional – is a statement of opulent Victorian décor.
While admiring the set, be sure to notice the music by sound designer Brad Phillips. He’s chosen pieces to complement the time period of the play, including works by Massenet, Paganini, and Mendelssohn. Holmes’ appreciation for the violin is remembered in MacGregor’s understanding of him.
If you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes, rest assured that PRTC’s play will not disappoint. And if you’ve never read a single story about the fictional detective by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, you just might be inspired to start.
Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Elusive Ear
What: David MacGregor’s fifth world premiere at PRTC
When: Now playing through May 26; six performances a week – evenings and matinees. See schedule here (http://www.purplerosetheatre.org/sherlock-holmes-and-the-adventure-of-the-elusive-ear/).
Where: The Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park St.
Director: Guy Sanville
Cast: Mark Colson, Paul Stroili, Sarab Kamoo, Tom Whalen, Caitlin Cavannaugh, Rusty Mewha
Crew: Design includes set by Bart Bauer, properties by Danna Segrest, costumes by Suzanne Young, lighting by Noele Stollmack, and sound by Brad Phillips.
Stage manager: Angie Kane Ferrante; managing director: Katie Hubbard.
Tickets: Available at www.purplerosetheatre.org or by calling the box office at 734-433-7673.
About the Purple Rose Theatre Company: Founded in 1991 by actor, playwright, musician and Chelsea native Jeff Daniels, the Purple Rose Theatre Company is a creative home for original American plays. In the 168-seat theater, patrons experience an intimate encounter with live theater.
