REVIEW: Madcap, Antic BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY Stands Classic Tale on Its Head with Great Wit and Invention
By Ruth Ross
If you’re, like me, a fan of Sherlock Holmes, you’ll be thrilled to know that “the game’s afoot” at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey where Ken Ludwig’s comedic adaptation of the classic Conan Doyle novel, The Hound of the Baskervilles is currently playing. (Above: Christian Pedersen, Brandnon Jones, Nicholas Wilder)
Retitled Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, this iteration of the tale is a madcap romp with over 40 roles played by three actors, who, other than Holmes and Dr. Watson, use quick changes, disguises and comedic timing to enhance the humor and suspense. The result is a highly entertaining two hours, very different from the brooding, gloomy films of 1937, 1939 and 1959.
The rapid pacing, physical comedy and clever humor never flag under the masterful direction and inventive staging of STNJ’s Artistic Director Brian Crowe. Indeed, the energy emanating from the stage is palpable!
The plot follows Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they investigate the legend of a supernatural hound that haunts the Baskerville family. The story begins with the death of Sir Charles Baskerville, whose body is found near his estate with large hound footprints nearby, reviving fears of a family curse. The legend involves Hugo Baskerville, an ancestor, who was killed by a spectral hound after abducting a maiden, leading to the belief that the Baskerville heirs are doomed. When the baronet’s heir, Henry Baskerville, arrives from Texas, Watson accompanies him to the ancestral home where they meet some sketchy servants and neighbors, along with Sir Henry’s enduring some weird experiences. As Holmes and Watson delve into the mystery, they uncover a plot that reveals the true nature of the hound and the motives behind the recent events, ultimately proving that the legend is a pretext for murder.
The antics unfold on a set designed by Dick Block and atmospherically lit by Tony Galaska, featuring sliding wall panels covered in manuscripts for Holmes’ study at 22B Baker Street; a dark, ominous Devonshire moor; and a train station, hotel lobby and other venues defined mostly by movable rock formations and benches that morph into a variety of seating.
Christian Pedersen (Above, with Brandon Jones) is a calm, collected Sherlock Holmes, who delights in sussing out the truth from what appear (to us) to be random clues. Brandon Jones’ Dr. Watson is a worthy sidekick (and narrator), grounded, kind-hearted, steady in the face of the danger and offering observations that help his friend solve the mystery.
However, it’s the other three actors whose heavy lifting tells the tale. They switch roles so often and so quickly that it is hard to keep track amidst the merriment. Making her STNJ debut, Janiah-Camille François (Above, with David Foubert) is amazing, assuming English, Scottish, and Swedish accents (she brings down the house talking about her “con-wict bwother”), going from Holmes’ housekeeper Mrs. Hudson to errand boy to servant to seductive lady merely by changing her wig, dress, hat and body language. She is a delight; I hope STNJ invites her back—often!
Nicholas Wilder is equally as fine in multiple roles: a hilariously fey Spanish hotel clerk (Above, with David Foubert); mournful butler; scrappy Dickensian urchin boy; and elegant, friendly, passionate physician, among others. Rounding out the trio is terrific STNJ vet David Foubert as Sir Henry Baskerville—complete with Stetson hat, long canvas duster and Texas twang. He also portrays Inspector Lestrade and a few other roles with great confidence. It’s nice to see him flex his comedic chops once again.
Austin Blake Conlee’s costumes are perfect for the late 1890s, and Doug West’s fluent fight direction makes the physical struggles feel real. But if you’ve ever wondered what a sound designer does, pay attention to what German Martinez achieves—from the initial roar of the legendary hound to ominous and often surprising thunder to a creaking door to someone wailing. It perfectly conveys the ominous atmosphere and merriment.
Finally, kudos to the dressers, whose lightning-fast costume changes switch among characters, blending suspense with humor while keeping the core mystery of the Baskerville curse. Without them, the play would not work as well!
Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery is a summer treat for STNJ audiences and a worthy addition to the troupe’s canon. So, for some laughs and suspense, motor on over to the F.M. Kirby Shakespearean Theater on the campus of Drew University before the production closes on August 2. The production is suitable for audiences aged 12 to 112. Don’t miss it!
For information and tickets, call the box office at 973.408.5600 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org online.