A stunning cast and handsome designs support the retelling of superbly satisfying adventure with one of the most popular detectives, Sherlock Holmes. He is quite at home on the Charity Randall Theatre stage where Kinetic Theatre’s The Speckled Band runs through June 30.
The script, adapted by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle from one of his most popular Victorian stories, is a clever “locked room” mystery first staged in 1912 in a new century.
Andrew Paul’s 13th production staged for his company brings a dozen favorite actors and some unforgettable characters to a very familiar Pittsburgh stage. Those who are new to the genre are advised to stay the course. Once the game is afoot, there’s much entertaining deviousness and deduction in this whodunit. A spot of Holmes at Kinetic and a cuppa some of Arthur Conan Doyle’s works might just hit the spot this June. (You’ll find no spoilers here, so be so kind as to read on and order your tickets.)
For this project, Pitt Theatre Arts alumnus Johnmichael Bohach designs an admirably versatile wood paneled set that provides all the essential variations and details required for the story. He creates scenic elements that support the script and space ranging from various rooms in an English manor house to Holme’s London flat. Bohach once more demonstrates why he is one of the region’s go-to designers.
Holmes’ case emerges when a young woman seeks the detective’s assistance following the mysteriously sudden death of her sister at Stoke Place, her family home outside of London. During the first act, the situation is reviewed through a local investigation and a parade of witnesses, none of whom seem to know much. Holmes’ long-time collaborator Dr. John Watson has been called in by the family patriarch, so the famous case-cracking pair has a foot in the door. By the time the intermission rolls around, everyone is more than ready for the great detective to ply his craft.
It’s fun when another parade of characters show up after Watson arrives at 22B Baker Street–including some of Holmes’ own creation. In the detective’s apartment, Holmes devotees get to revisit what we’ve already known about him–the pipe, the violin, the 7% solution, and an obvious boredom for the oh-so-routine cases put before him.
Watson introduces the case and prepares Holmes for meeting Enid Stoner, whose dying sister Julia uttered two words and perhaps the best clue before she succumbed when stepping outside her previously locked room: “band” and “speckled.”
David Whalen (Sherlock Holmes), Sam Toustsouvas (Dr. Grimesby Rylott), James FitzGerald (Dr. Watson), and Jessie Wray Goodman (Enid Stoner)
The sisters have been under the roof of their stepfather, Dr. Grimesby Rylott. Each awaiting marriage, the young women essentially control much of the family fortune as a large portion of was to follow each bride. Now preparing for her own wedding, Enid fears for her life and hopes to learn what killed her sibling. When Holmes hears her story, he is suitably intrigued, sending Watson back to Rylott’s home to help him solve the mystery.
Kudos to a top-notch cast, one audiences can happily anticipate appearances by regional favorites and returning guest artists.
David Whalen, who has played Holmes many times, again displayed his charming versatility throughout an adept performance wrought with wit and variety of voices and disguises. James FitzGerald is a charming and professional Watson, an intelligent and detailed characterization of the retired military physician who has found himself at Holmes side in much criminal casework.
Martin Giles (Millverton) and Whalen (Holmes)
Of course, Holmes is indeed a match for the eminently villainous stepfather Rylott, portrayed by Sam Tsoutsouvas. Versatile and intent, Tsoutsouvas aptly establishes Rylott as first empathetic and arrogant and then as thoroughly greedy and heartless.
The likewise duplicitous housekeeper Mrs. Staunton is portrayed by Lisa Ann Goldsmith, switching from compassionate to conniving in the blink of an eye. This pair’s vile villains are a joy to watch.
As Enid, Jessie Wray Goodman delves into grief, terror, and resolve. Undoubtedly in shock, she is questioned, counseling and manipulated. A smart young woman, Enid notes the signs that she might be next and Goodman embues Enid with smarts and bravery–a woman determined to live her life well into the 20th century rather than meet the same fate as her sister.
An entertaining array of characters fills the story. An actor who can capture the audience upon his entrance before saying a word, Martin Giles is both a quirky Milverton and the first act’s investigating constable.
Wali Jamal’s Armitage, a concerned townsperson who suspects much during the initial investigation, prepares to protect Enid. On hand with assistance at the manor, David Crawford plays Rodgers, a butler looking out for his post even as he suspects foul play in the house. As Ali, Arjun Kumar literally conjures serious mischief in a colorful role.
Also displaying delightful range in dual roles are R. Daniel Murphy as Holmes’ assistant Billy and the coroner’s assistant, Ethan Saks as Scott Wilson and Montague, and John Reilly as the jury foreman and Holt Loaming.
Special effects by Steve Tolin of Tolin FX serve up some very essential revelvations. Sound design by Angela Baughman incorporates music and effects. Kim Brown’s costumes are spot on from period styles to well fitting cast members. Props master Rachel Ferrari-Engel hits her mark with the authentic details that make the space and its players seem at home.
The Victorian crime mystery fits quite nicely within the Foster Memorial’s limestone walls and one the Charity Randal stage at Pitt. An elevator construction project on one side of the building heralds improved accessibility for the University of Pittsburgh’s theatre center. It’s helpful to note that there are some construction outside while the elevator is still being completed.
Kinetic Theatre’s The Speckled Band runs through June 30 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 pm, with 2 pm matinees on Sat., June 22, and on Sundays, June 23 and 30. For tickets and details, visit Kinetic Theatre online.
Photo Credit: Rocky Raco
Categories: Archived Reviews