Starting Friday, July 26, Sherlock Holmes is solving a murder at Westfield Playhouse, 1836 W. State Road 32, Westfield, in the Encore Rising Start youth production of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Adventure of the Speckled Band.”
According to Main Street Productions, Sherlock Holmes is one of the most iconic characters in literature, film and television. From the character’s creation in 1887, the world’s greatest detective has appeared in countless forms throughout the ages, including stage adaptations as early as 1899.
Part of what makes the character – along with his long-suffering sidekick Watson – so appealing is how versatile the character is, while also being firm in concept. We all know who Sherlock and Watson are, but we can also be surprised by actors and creators putting their own interpretations on these stories.
According to Director Veronique Duprey, there are 14 young actors and one young stage manager in this production.
“Corwyn Barrows is our stage manager,” Duprey said. “Corwyn has done several shows as an actor in previous years. This year before the time for auditions came around, he asked if he could help backstage.”
This adaptation expands on the original story, as the audience gets to know the inhabitants of Stoke Moran Manor, from the scowling stepfather Grimesby Roylott, to the worried Helen, to the ex-convict housekeeper. The initial investigation falls to Watson, with Sherlock Holmes joining several weeks later. With a cast of memorable characters, this show is sure to delight young and old alike.
The performers – all young actors ranging in age from 10 to 16 – assembled for their first readthrough of this play on June 9.
“The kids have been having fun and getting to know each other,” Duprey said. “Throughout I think they have really enjoyed the process. They are putting nice touches on their individual characters, so it is fun to watch. “
This is the third youth production Duprey has directed at Westfield Playhouse.
“For one I was technically the assistant director, but the director had to have surgery after two weeks, so I did the last four weeks,” Duprey said.
You can see “The Adventure of the Speckled Band” for two weeks starting Friday evening at 7:30 p.m.
Photos provided