Photo Flash: First Look at the Stars of THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES at Orlando Shakespeare Theater

The game is afoot this Halloween during Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF's (Orlando Shakes) production of The Hound of the Baskervilles, running from October 11 - November 19, 2017 in the Goldman Theater. Set in the foothills of England's countryside, Steven Canny and John Nicholson's play puts a hilarious spin on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's novel, The Hound of the Baskervilles. Tickets ($13 - $50) can be purchased by calling (407) 447-1700 ext. 1, online at www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center (812 E. Rollins St.).

The Hound of the Baskervilles follows Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson as they journey to the English countryside to investigate the mysterious case of the Baskerville family. One by one the male heirs are dropping dead. But why? And who-or what-is responsible? In this hilarious and madcap spoof on the most famous detective of all time, a trio of actors play a dozen roles in a production that is a master class in funny and perfect for the Halloween season.

"We are thrilled to be bringing a Sherlock Holmes mystery to Central Florida for Halloween," said Jim Helsinger, Director of The Hound of the Baskervilles and Artistic Director at Orlando Shakes. "I just directed the production at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival where it broke all box office records, and I can assure our audiences that this show is the perfect blend of comedy and fun for the spooky holiday season."

The Hound of the Baskervilles features some of Orlando Shakes' audience favorites, including Steven Lane as Sherlock Holmes. Lane was last seen at Orlando Shakes in their 2016 production of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Other credits include Dancing Lessons, A Christmas Carol, Into the Woods, and The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby.

Following his Orlando Shakes debut last season in their 2016 production of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Simon Needham returns to the Theater to star as Dr. Watson. Needham toured Europe for three years performing Shakespeare in repertory. West End credits include The Tom Lehrer Review, Ay Carmella, and Romeo and Juliet. Other credits include The Adventurer's Club (Walt Disney World), The American Idol Experience(Walt Disney World), and The Explorer's Club (Mad Cow Theatre).

Also returning to Orlando Shakes is Chris Crawford taking on the role of Sir Henry. Crawford was last seen at Orlando Shakes in their 2015 production of Monty Python's SPAMALOT. Past credits include A Christmas Carol (Orlando Shakes), Edward II (Shakespeare Theatre Co.'s), The Producers (Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre), and Boeing Boeing (TheatreSquared).

Director Jim Helsinger's Orlando Shakes directing credits include West Side Story, The Adventures of Pericles, Monty Python's SPAMALOT, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Every Christmas Story Ever Told, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged), and many others. Other recent directing credits include the summer 2017 production of The Hound of the Baskervilles at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival and summer 2016 production of Cymbeline at Colorado Shakespeare Festival. He currently serves as Artistic Director at Orlando Shakes.

The Orlando Shakes artistic team also includes Scenic Designer Steve TenEyck, Lighting Designer Eric T. Haugen, Costume Designer Lisa Zinni, and Sound Designer Don Tindall.

The Hound of the Baskervilles is presented by the Orlando Shakespeare Theater Guild.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater is supported by United Arts of Central Florida, host of OrlandoAtPlay.com and UAArtsEd.com. This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the State of Florida.

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