Peter Giessl, Katelyn Brackney
A Labyrinthian Delight
Reviewed by Suzanne Angeo (Member, American Theatre Critics Association)
and Greg Angeo (Member Emeritus, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle)
Dr Watson saw them die with his own eyes. Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty plunged over the 800-foot Reichenbach Falls in Switzerland three years ago. And all the world would soon know: the great detective was no more.
Or so it would seem.
Holmes and Watson is based on a story by award-winning American writer Jeffrey Hatcher. His numerous works have been seen on Broadway (Never Gonna Dance), Off-Broadway (Tuesdays With Morrie, with local author Mitch Albom), on film (Cassanova, The Duchess) and on television (episodes of Columbo), among many, many others.
The action takes place in a remote asylum on an island off the coast of Scotland. Run by the mysterious Dr Evans, this asylum is unique in that it has only three patients. And all three of these so-called madmen claim to be Sherlock Holmes. Dr Evans has invited the good doctor Watson for a visit to check out their claims. For Watson, this is nothing new. Ever since Holmes’ death, many men have approached him, claiming to be his deceased friend. After all, Holmes’ body was never found. This has led to so many wild goose chases, so many dead ends. Is this just one more? Will the real Sherlock Holmes please stand up? Or are they all just crazy?
Katelyn Brackney, Mark Colley, Peter Giessl
The cast listing in the printed program handout is less than complete, and as it turns out, for a very good reason. If all the roles the actors played were revealed, there would be spoilers for the many dazzling surprises in store for the audience. The ending, especially, takes such a shocking turn that any attempt to describe the events leading up to it would ruin the whole show. It’s like a tightly-woven tapestry that can’t have even one thread removed or it will come unraveled. But let’s just say that there’s yet another murder, and Dr Watson gets his answers – and a triumphant victory.
The entire cast of seven are outstanding, weaving that tapestry together with wonderful colors and textures. Most notable are Peter Giessl as Dr Evans, Mark Colley as Dr Watson and Katelyn Brackney as Matron. Each of the “Holmes” characters are well-represented by Will Johnson (Holmes #1), Joseph Tobin (Holmes #2), and perhaps the most surprising of all, Aaron Barnes (Holmes #3). And last but certainly not least, Michael Zois as the unassuming Orderly.
Director Lori Smith keeps the storytelling fun, fast-paced and intense. Having graced the Avon stage as a performer in many recent shows (The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Prince of Egypt, Evita), she skillfully takes what she has learned onstage and applies it to the broader scope of working with actors, lighting, sound and set design. Speaking of which, kudos to the lighting design by Avon Players president JD Deierlein, with its creative use of shadows to create unusual effects. Sound by Mark Palmer, and the set by Jeff Stillman, place you anywhere the story takes you, from a waterfall in Switzerland to an asylum in Scotland, to a violin being played at the very end.
Even if you’re not a fan of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s many stories about this legendary detective, Holmes and Watson has enough twists and turns, and rivers of red herrings, to keep you entertained and on the edge of your seat.
Now through March 21, 2026
Tickets $28.00
Avon Playhouse
1185 Washington Rd
Rochester Hills, MI 48306
(248) 608-9077
www.avonplayers.org
Avon Players Theatre is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization
