‘Sherlock Holmes’ makes for an entertaining evening at 3rd Act Theatre
Sherlock Holmes is one of the mostloved as well as respected characters because of his wit as much as his brilliant intellect. That wit comes from the breast of character Dr. John Watson and from the brain of author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The character is fascinating and timeless, and part of that comes from new interpretations of the genius detective.
Playwright Tim Kelly is one of the visionaries responsible for adapting the works of Doyle. The play “Sherlock Holmes,” which is being shown at 3rd Act Theatre, is one of his incredibly versatile and melodramatic plays. The story is, of course, the all-consuming rivalry between Holmes and arch-enemy professor Moriarty. Kelly concentrates on the humor highlighting the popularity of melodrama and the cerebral drollness that is a natural result. Director Don Taylor ensures that his cast of exciting actors play that humor to the hilt.
When actors perform well, a show can be a delight. When actors overact in this vein the result brings delightful titters that circle the auditorium, and the cast of “Sherlock Holmes” at 3rd Act Theatre accomplishes this easily. Further, when it is obvious that the actors are having fun, the play is far more enjoyable for the audience and these actors have a great time.
Taylor’s direction is excellent. Peter Fischaber is a perfect choice for the great detective. He has immersed himself in the humor by capitalizing on expression, rather than the familiar deadpan approach. His humor is expansive yet singularly delicate.
Moriarty is played by David-Fletcher Hall, and his evil persona is distinctively impossible yet impossibly true.
Dr. Watson is played as a rather silly man by Kelly Baum, who brings a great deal of jocularity to the role.
These three men carry the show and each man is completely different yet each actor reveals the shared personal trait that is the intelligent foundation of Sherlock Holmes characters — supremely over-the-top vanity.
Reed Bentley plays three characters differently yet with the same degree of hilarity. Holly McNatt is the exceptionally bright client in distress and also the sweet young thing. McNatt also excels as the Flower Woman wafting her wares with noxious overtones.
Caprice Sorg is the warm and delightful Mrs. Hudson and also the evil criminal known as Gertie. Lana Henson is very Victorian as Lady Edwina, as well as the Larabee’s maid Teresa, and Pepper the suffragette with a hidden agenda.
Pallas Johnson is Madge Larabee and turns on a dime to become Mrs. Bassick. Kendra Michal Johnson is delightful as Moriarty’s assistant Joan, and gingerly Ginger, as well as a matchgirl. Joe Burleigh is magnificently bumbling as safecracker Sid Prince, as well as the Inspector Lestrade unintentionally highlighting the brilliance of Sherlock Holmes.
Taylor’s expert direction is enhanced by the efficiency of stage manager Christine Jolly and an excellent crew. “Sherlock Holmes” at 3rd Act gives the gift of an entertaining and fun evening allowing a few hours respite from the cares of the world.
“Sherlock Holmes” runs through April 23. Curtain time is 8 p.m. with a 2:30 Sunday matinee. For further information and tickets, go to info@3rdacttheatreco.com or call 405-593-8093. 3rd Act Theatre is in the Shoppes at North Park Mall at 12040 N. May Avenue in Oklahoma City.