Theatre Review: ‘Baskerville,’ a comedy by Ken Ludwig

REVIEW

TheatreARTBEAT
By Caril Jennings

“Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery”
a comedy by Ken Ludwig
Directed by Jim Christian
January 09 - February 07
Tickets $16-$25
Terrace Plaza Playhouse, 99 E 4700 S, Washington Terrace 

I had the best time at the theatre last night. I saw six incredibly versatile actors play forty incredibly silly roles in less than two hours. I had expected to be entertained but I couldn’t help being gob-smacked by all the detailed ingenuity that went into this production.

The stage is blank except for the painted hint of old fashioned bricks or tiles. Flanked by three doors on either side is an immense screen at the back of the stage that becomes the scenery and sometimes a character itself. The artists designing the videos on the screen are brilliant. The music selected throughout was cinematic rather than theatrical. The costumers hit their mark every time, as the costumes are funny, too. 

As for the actors, they were all exceptional, although I do think that the sole woman had the more difficult costume and character changes. She was also part of the “Irregulars,” the sharpest, swiftest comedy team I’ve seen. 

Jim Christian has always had a knack for directing genuinely funny, kind-hearted, family suitable productions that appeal to our softer side. He appeals to our younger, more likeable selves—before we hardened to the assault on our senses from a sometimes unfriendly world. Back to the play. 

Promotional photos for “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery.” Courtesy of Terrace Plaza Playhouse

If you haven’t read or seen “Sherlock Holmes, The Hound of the Baskervilles” by Arthur Conan Doyle, at least read the synopsis on Wiki. This will help you appreciate the clever way the playwright has turned it into a comedy in the order of Young Frankenstein or The Carol Burnett Show. The script is funny enough but in the hands of Christian and his troupe, the playwright’s vision is fully accomplished: Make ‘em laugh! Josh Curtis as Sherlock, Eb Madson as Watson, Tyler Neil as Alias Watson, Kaltin Kirby as Man 1, Natalie Peterson as the Woman, Darin J. Beardall as Baskerville. I’ve listed them in their main roles but they all played many characters.

Things to watch out for: a storm on the Moor, a play on word mistranslations of please and thank you, the physical comic timing of The Irregulars, you trying to see all your Sherlocks in the one on stage (he continues a fine tradition), the biggest guy and his characters.