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Ah, yes – the play’s wondrously afoot! Metropolis Performing Arts Centre’s virtual production of Ken Ludwig’s “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” is a tour de force, a fast-paced, farcical but somewhat faithful version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s 1902 Victorian creeper, “The Hound of the Baskervilles.” The unfortunate thing is that the production only runs through Feb. 14.
Ken Ludwig, the well-known and genius American playwright of 21 plays and four musicals, wrote “Baskerville” in 2015. The Metropolis production astutely directed by Xavier Custodio throws everything but the kitchen sink at you acting wise. The minimal setting suggesting everything from the moors of Devonshire to Holmes’ sitting room designed by Jennifer Wernau, the brilliant sound effects of William Franz (railroads, rain, beasts) and exquisite costuming by Rachel Parent (although at times the wigs and beards are ever so silly) are just perfect. Moreover, Saren Nofs Snyder’s dialect coaching is spot on.
In case you’ve forgotten the plot of the classic Sherlock Holmes versus evil tale, the intrepid duo of Holmes and Watson are called upon by Dr. John Mortimer to solve the murder of his friend, Sir Charles, and heirs of the Baskerville line. They’re biting the dust one by one; and is it because of the wandering, legendary demon hound?
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Soon to arrive on the scene is Henry Baskerville, the next heir to the Baskerville estate, an American from Texas (and yes, he’s a stereotypical Texan). Of course, Holmes and Watson must travel to the foggy, desolate, forbidden moors to solve the mystery.
But let’s talk about that cast at the Arlington Heights-based theater – there’s only five total. Breon Arzell’s Sherlock is stoic, authoritative, intelligent – everything you’d expect Sherlock to be and then some as he deduces and predicts. Meg Elliott is cast as Holmes’ revered sidekick, and she handles the character and narration magnificently, very refined, charming and nuanced.
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The other three actors, Gabriel Fries, Rachel Livingston and Jason Richards, are delectable in their witty, often gender-bending portrayals of almost 40 characters. They are energetic, comedic, innocent deliverers of groaners galore and talents. They must have had a blast – this virtuosic cast of five playing off each other in this two-hour show rated PG-13.
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In these times, we all need a laugh, a distraction (and it all starts with Artistic Director Joe Keefe’s pre-show introduction to the play). With Metropolis’ exceptional production and style reminiscent of “The 39 Steps,” Monty Python (wink wink) and Mel Brooks – from doorbells to dialogue to closeup kisses and windy days – “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” is well-done, engaging and ever so silly.
• Regina Belt-Daniels has been to the moors as well as Sherlock Holmes’ 221B Baker St., and has directed five of Ken Ludwig’s plays. Involved in theater since the first grade, she currently hopes for a return to live theater and live audiences.
IF YOU VIEW
WHAT: Ken Ludwig’s “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery”
WHEN: Streaming through Feb. 14
COST: $20 single viewer
INFORMATION: Metropolisarts.com, 847-577-5982, ext. 239