Reviewed by Suzanne Angeo (member, American Theatre Critics Association; Member Emeritus, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle), and Greg Angeo (Member Emeritus, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle)
“Moriarty” cast: (back row) Stephen Blackwell, Ron Williams, Jennifer Byrne (front row) Cheryl Turski, Phil Powers
A Hilarious New Chapter in the Sherlock Holmes Legend
Kicking off its 57th season, Meadow Brook Theatre presents the Michigan premiere of noted American playwright Ken Ludwig’s newest comedy, “Moriarty”. A gleeful sendup of all things Sherlock Holmes, the MBT crew offers up a generous serving of laughs and suspense in equal measure.
Ludwig is best known for his popular farce-style comedies, many of which have appeared on the MBT stage, like “Lend Me a Tenor” and “A Fox on the Fairway”. His most recent work, “Moriarty”, premiered April 2023 at the Cleveland Play House in Cleveland, Ohio. Acquiring the rights was a real triumph, according to artistic director Travis Walter. “We owe this production to Cheryl L Marshall, MBT’s managing director, who worked so hard to secure the rights for the show even before it had been published, working with Ken’s agent and the licensing company…”, says Walter.
Ron Williams, Jennifer Byrne
Set in the London of 1891, with occasional forays into Bohemian Europe, the story unfolds with Holmes (a brilliant Ron Williams) and his loyal sidekick Dr Watson (an equally brilliant Phil Powers) trying to discover who stole the King of Bohemia’s letters, with madness and mayhem ensuing. For an added theatrical touch, Watson serves as first-person narrator for the happenings onstage. There is wonderfully absurd visual comedy and slapstick, courtesy of three of the five cast members playing spies, housekeepers and kings. Stephen Blackwell as criminal mastermind Moriarty (as well as Holmes brother Mycroft, and others) is especially good, even when he’s being bad. There’s even a little romance in store for Holmes when the beautiful American actress, Irene Adler (played by the charismatic Jennifer Byrne) needs his help. Rounding out the excellent cast is Cheryl Turski in multiple character roles. All of the professional Actors Equity cast are MBT veterans, and all were in the recent production of “Noises Off”.
The set by Jen Price Fick and lighting by Brian Debs are superb, as are the costumes by Liz Goodall. Keeping it all together and moving at breakneck speed is director Travis Walter. He inserts marvelously funny and original visual and sound effects that set the tone for the entire production.
If you like international intrigue, a good laugh and engaging, Broadway-quality performances, you are sure to love “Moriarty”.
Phil Powers, Ron Williams
Now through October 29, 2023
Tickets $37 to $46
Meadow Brook Theatre at Wilson Hall
Oakland University
378 Meadow Brook Rd
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
(248) 377-3300
www.mbtheatre.com
A special note: As Covid-19 is a constantly changing situation, MBT will be monitoring and adhering to the guidance given by the CDC, the State of Michigan, the Actor’s Equity Association, and Oakland University. Check the Meadow Brook Theatre website at www.mbtheatre.com for the latest information on efforts to keep everyone safe.
This theater operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers of the United States. The theater operates under the agreement with the International Alliance of Theatre Stage employees, Local 38.
Meadow Brook Theatre’s season is supported in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Kresge Foundation, the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation, the Shubert Foundation and the Meadow Brook Theatre Guild.
