Northwest Classical Theatre Co. **Photo credit: Rio**November 21 - December 28, 2008
Review by peanutduck
Sherlock Holmes: magnet for ably performed cornucopia of colorful characters. Chemistry between Chris Porter, returning as bemused, understated Watson, and Greg Alexander, a cheekily rapscallion Holmes, pushes forward this formlessly directed, Q&A structured play. Randy Patterson reminiscent of Mr. Hyde; confuses villainy with shouting. Seamlessly choreographed set changes; so-bad-it’s-good toupee.
1 comment:
This one has a more substantial plot than last year's "Scandal in Bohemia." Chris Porter is dependably solid (and respectable; no Nigel Bruce bumbling) as Watson again; Greg Alexander is puckish and almost innocently inquisitive in comparison with Leif Norby's elegant and courtly Holmes from last year's show. I'd be hard put to choose one over the other; appreciate that they both underplay the role, but would like to see a little more of that otherworldly darkness that Jeremy Brett did so well. If you know the story, it's been padded with an inquest to handle exposition, a parade of potential clients through Holmes's offices, and other bits that may not add to the forward motion of the plot but are welcome opportunities for minor characters to be entertaining. Tom Walton does a fine turn as the conductor of the inquest. Set changes are indeed a marvel in this tiny space; the place looks disappointingly drab at the start, but undergoes some fine and smooth transformations. The climax may be a bit weak, but it's an admittedly tough thing to pull off on stage. . . .
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