BWW Reviews: CAT Theatre's SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE FINAL ADVENTURE is a Bit Elementary

Growing up, I was always a fan of murder mysteries. I'd spend hours with a good Agatha Christie book. I anxiously anticipated CAT Theatre's production of another mystery legend, Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure.

Unfortunately Director H. Lynn Smith and her cast were hindered by a script which can more aptly be called "The Case of the Missing Plot."

The storyline leaves little to ponder or think about. There is no edge of the seat mystery here. The plays' hook itself is a good start. Holmes' sidekick and companion Dr. Watson (Mike Fletcher), is reminiscing to the audience about the final case his friend undertook before his supposed death.

Playwright Steven Dietz bases the play on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's first short story, "A Scandal in Bohemia," and an 1899 play that uses the same basic plot. The King of Bohemia (Tim Gettemy) is about to be wed; but is being blackmailed by his former lover, American opera star Irene Adler (Rebekah Spence). She in turn, is being used by Holmes' long timed nemesis Professor Moriarity (Granville Scott) so that he can get his hands on a picture Adler has to blackmail the king.

Presented as a stylized melodrama, the play tends to drag with little to hold the audiences' attention. Jeremy Gershman uses a commanding voice and strong stage presence to create a formidable Holmes; but gives little depth to the character. Fletcher is appropriately morose and matter of fact as Watson. Scott gets across the classic evil despicability of Moriarity. Gettemy's King, however, fluctuates between German, French, Russian and a little old Yiddish man in Miami. Spence offers the most depth in her natural delivery as the diva that becomes the apple of Holmes' eye.

The biggest laughs are reserved for supporting performances by Emily Turner and Tyler Simpson as two of the "bad guys" in cahoots with Moriarity.

Charlotte Scharff's costumes are attractive and period appropriate. Alan Armstrong's lights add to the dreamlike memory atmosphere. Tennessee Dixon's set design is innovative, using black scrims to partially blur some of Watson's reminiscing. The main set itself cuts off in mid-scene, dividing doors and pictures on the wall to add an air of dreamlike memories.

The creative sets and overall solid performances will help fans of Arthur Conan Doyle's works enjoy CAT Theatre's current production of Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure, even if the plot is a bit "elementary." Thru November 8, 2014. cattheatre.com

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