Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery written by Ken Ludwig and directed by Lara Toner Haddock runs November 22 – December 22, 2024. Tickets on sale at austinplayhouse.com/baskerville.
This adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Hound of the Baskervilles” finds the intrepid Holmes and his steadfast companion Watson battling their most notorious mystery. The set opens in foggy London streets and the dreary English countryside (Devonshire) and moves through train stations, spooky old estates, and more. The huge stage backdrop helped tie the scenes to the geography.
We knew we were in for some laughs but this cast of 5, and the over 40 characters they played, was impressive. The way they quickly, and comically changed costumes and immediately became another person with a completely different accent, was impressive. Some accents were Texan, some British, and German.
The duo of Holmes (Alexander) and Watson (Wolfe-who reprised his role from the 2016 run) was magical and witty- and it was clear these were seasoned actors. Alexander has been in films including Creed III and commanded the stage. Wolfe was perfectly cast in the role and was believable being both humorous and serious throughout.
Three actors rounded out the cast, doing most of the 40 characters. The actor who played Texan (Ellis) added extra laughs with his accent and dim witted dialogue and gestures. It made us wonder if they revise this character based on where they are in the country. Mercantel and Zeringue (the only female cast member) were a hilarious duo of many characters including brother and sister. Zeringue impressed playing characters like a baby in a stroller and German maid. All this was done on a very small stage. Mercantile was believable in all his funny and odd characters, including the flamboyant Stapleton who was a bit off his rocker and in a constant chase of butterflies.
There was so much good old fashioned physical, slapstick comedy that was so fast paced (sometimes we couldn’t keep up).
The plot is basically a murder mystery surrounding the inheritance money of Charles Baskerville who died in strange fashion. The plot twists kept you guessing at who dunnit (but we won’t spoil it). We wondered how they would end it, and it made sense and was exciting, thrilling. You don’t want to miss this if you love a murder mystery and remember the joy of the classic Sherlock Holmes stories. Tickets start at $24. The play runs about 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission.
More info:
Featuring over forty characters played by 5 actors, Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery premiered in 2015 at Arena Stage in Washington DC and was produced by Austin Playhouse in 2016. Something’s afoot, in this murderously fun adventure with the return of Sherlock Holmes at Austin Playhouse.
Casting for Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery includes Aaron D. Alexander as Sherlock Holmes (Film: “Creed III”, “One Night in Miami”; AP: Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily); Ben Wolfe returning to the role of Doctor Watson (AP: Murder on the Links, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily); Stephen Mercantel returning to the role of Actor 1 (AP: Emma, Shakespeare in Love, Sense and Sensibility); Bailey Ellis as Actor 2 (AP: Emma, Born With Teeth); and Sarah Zeringue as Actress 1(AP: Emma, The Norwegians, Big Fish).
Directed by Lara Toner Haddock. The production team also includes lighting design by Mark Novick, scenic design by Mike Toner, co-costume design by Buffy Manners and Diana Huckaby, sound design by Robert S. Fisher, video design by Lowell Bartholomee, and Barry Miller as stage manager.
Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery
Thurs – Sat at 8:00 p.m. | Sun at 2:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m.
Austin Playhouse (West Campus location) | 405 West 22nd St. | Austin TX 78705
austinplayhouse.com/baskerville
Tickets are $24-46; with Pick-Your-Price Thursdays and Half-Price Student Tickets are available at austinplayhouse.com; group discounts are available for parties of 10+. Group inquiries can be made at boxoffice@playhouse.com
With a cast of 5 actors juggling over 40 roles, Baskerville will be a fast-paced, pulse-pounding, and murderously funny ride.
Age Recommendation: 10 and up for outrageous madcap fun. Children under 5 are not permitted.
Ticketing Information: Tickets for the 2024-2025 Season range from $24-46 with Pick-Your-Price Thursdays and Half-Price Student Tickets. Group discounts are available for parties of 10+. Group inquiries can be made at boxoffice@playhouse.com. Single tickets on sale now at austinplayhouse.com.
Sponsors: Austin Playhouse is supported in part by Texas Commission on the Arts and The Shubert Foundation.
About Austin Playhouse:
Austin Playhouse is a professional theatre in its 25th season. Currently under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Lara Toner Haddock, and Associate Artistic Directors Ben Wolfe and Sarah Fleming Walker, Austin Playhouse has grown from a three-play season on the campus of Concordia University, to a year-round operation producing a subscription season, theatre for youth productions, and a new play festival. Austin Playhouse plans to build a permanent home for the veteran theatre troupe and all of Austin’s artistic community. For more information visit austinplayhouse.com.
