SHERLOCK HOLMES premiered in Montreal in 2013 in a sold-out, critically acclaimed production at The Segal Centre directed by Andrew Shaver, who will remount the show for a North American tour, starting in Los Angeles and playing six "tour preview" performances at The Ricardo Montalban Theatre from October 15-October 18.
Produced by Starvox Entertainment, in association with June Entertainment, following the Los Angeles launch SHERLOCK HOLMES will play engagements in Toronto, Washington and Chicago, with subsequent cities planned into 2016 and to be announced shortly.
"I am beyond excited to play one of the most loved characters in all literature, stage and screen, Sherlock Holmes," said Arquette. "Some may think I'm an odd choice. I am. I'm odd, but thankfully so is he."
This SHERLOCK HOLMES was the recipient of five prestigious Montreal English Theatre Awards, including Outstanding Production and Outstanding Director. The Segal Centre commissioned multi-talented, British-born, Montreal-based writer, director and actor Greg Kramer to pen this fresh new take on Conan Doyle's stories of the legendary detective. The playwright was also supposed to play Scotland Yard detective Lestrade in the original Montreal production, but tragically, Kramer passed away on the eve of rehearsals.
Andrew Shaver, one of Canada's most exciting young directors, known for his work with the innovative SideMart Theatrical Grocery (Trad, Haunted Hillbilly, Gordon) and assignments with Des McAnuff for the Stratford Festival, brings his ironic and kinesthetic vision to the production and has worked on the script subsequent to Kramer's untimely death.
Starvox producer, Corey Ross, says that "this production's frequent laugh-out-loud moments, melodramatic mysteries and sometimes nightmarish moments proved irresistible, and I knew within ten-minutes of the curtain going up that I wanted to produce the show for an extended commercial life after Montreal." He adds that "the Steampunk costumes and brilliant set design--featuring projections on metal scrims--give the production a distinct modern edge, yet all the while, it remains quintessentially Sherlock Holmes. It's both timeless and contemporary and audiences will enjoy the way it slyly hints at current events and today's political culture. " SHERLOCK is family-friendly and suggested for audiences 8+.
John Ryan Jr. and R Scott Reid are also producing the staged production -- both seasoned feature film producers.
"The Entertainment industry continues to evolve as film, online and television content merge into ever-increasing ways to reach consumers. We are excited to be part of bringing similar innovation and change to live theatrical production," says producer Scott Reid.
And June Entertainment CEO John Ryan states that the company "plans to produce both a film version of the production for viewers who cannot make a live production, as well as exploring other live day and date viewing or streaming, along with other new ways for viewers to experience live theatre."
Thrilling, humorous, full of head-scratching crimes and dazzling deduction in the face of cunning evil, SHERLOCK HOLMES takes theatregoers on a heart-stopping adventure through the opium dens, the muddy docklands and the gritty backstreets of London during the turn of the century, a time of great social and technological change.
The opium wars have ended. The Ripper has wreaked his havoc. Electricity is on the rise and Scotland Yard is in its infancy. Lord Neville St. John gives a moving speech in the House of Lords to ban opium and a vote on the matter is imminent. Meanwhile, Professor James Moriarty, notorious criminal kingpin, plots to thwart the upcoming opium vote. When a drowned body is discovered, and Lord Neville goes missing, Scotland Yard turns to "the world's only consulting detective" and newest resident of 221-B Baker Street: a certain Mr. Sherlock Holmes.
Full casting for the nine-member acting company, including the role of "Watson," will be announced at a later date.
For additional information visit sherlockholmesonstage.com.
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