By Liz Eichler
Human Race Theatre’s Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson Apt 2B, written by Kate Hamill, is an energetic, fun time that will make you think and laugh. This fresh take on familiar characters whisks audiences through a mystery adventure that feels like a blend of classic theatre and modern comedy.
The Play
The story begins when Ms. Watson (American) tours an apartment (in London), offered at a discounted price. It is soon revealed that it is because Ms Holmes is a very difficult–and quite unique–roommate. Eventually Ms Watson “agrees” to stay, and together they navigate a series of mysterious events while wrestling with their own personal dilemmas. Hamill’s clever script balances mystery with laugh-out-loud humor, playfully dismantling and celebrating the conventions of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories.
What makes Ms. Holmes so brilliant? She doesn’t keep any clutter in her mind by using the internet or social media. She keeps her mental microchip sharp so she can see clues and make deductions. In fact, she often tokes to help focus. She doesn’t “jump to kittens” but carefully connects clues. And she appears to have great fun while on a case.
The Cast
Quite a number of characters enter and exit, but there are four people in the cast. At the heart of this ensemble is Shonita Joshi, whose portrayal of Ms. Sherlock Holmes is brilliant. Her dynamic energy infuses the character with a perfect blend of brilliance and delightful eccentricity. She commands the stage, capturing the character’s intellect (and oddness) with such vivacity that simply draws you in.
Maggie Lou Rader, as Ms. Joan Watson, shifts quickly between awkwardness to confidence, to frustration to fascination, creating a likable and relatable counterpoint to Joshi’s Holmes.
Playing multiple roles, Kelly Mengelkoch shows she can be hysterical, powerful, and sexual. Her Irene Adler is an interesting character–and allows us to see yet another side of Holmes. Mengelkoch makes sure each role is a treat.
Matthew Sierra also plays a number of roles. He greets the audience at the beginning of the show in tophat and cape, reminiscent of the Victorian tours of London. When he realizes this play is set in modern day, he reveals the best alligator print suit (kudos to costumes!) His performance as Inspector Lestrade is also strong.
The Production Team
Director Heather Wilson-Bowlby keeps the pacing quick and engaging as the performers move from hall to apartment to other spaces. Jeff Heater’s scenery includes a very comfortable multi-level apartment space, doors, some side locales, and a second act surprise.
Lighting Designer (Diane D. Fairchild) has some especially clever tight spotlights between scenes to get us to focus on set details.Costumes (Janet G. Powell) are both functional and help us establish the characters. Some found some amazing pieces, such as the alligator print suit and most of Mengelkoch’s wardrobe. Holme’s houndtooth suit fits the character well.
Overall
Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson Apt 2B is a wonderfully engaging production, presented by a team of professionals. This show entertains and reminds us of the timeless appeal of these classic characters, and puts the game in “the game’s afoot.”
Tickets
Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson Apt 2B runs October 9 – 20 at Human Race Theatre’s Loft Theatre, next to the Victoria Theate and across from the Schuster Center. Tickets are available through www.humanracetheatre.org or by calling the box office at 937-228-3630.
Parking: Parking is sometimes available on the street, free after 6 pm, or in a number of lots close by.
