Interview: SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE FINAL ADVENTURE Solves a Mystery at the Old Opera House

It is "Elementary, my dear Watson" if you are looking for an entertainment option this weekend to attend Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure at the Old Opera House.

Directed by Laura Richards Bakin and based on the Sherlock Holmes mystery stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure depicts the famous detective taking on one last case just as he is about to retire. Joined by his faithful companion, Watson, Sherlock Holmes sets out to solve one last mystery which leads him straight into danger at the hands of his arch enemy and Holmes must use his world famous wit to solve the case before time runs out!

The cast at the Old Opera House enjoyed exploring new ways to portray the well-known mystery characters.

"The characters and plot are based on well-loved classics, which means we have to find the balance between respecting the tradition and interpreting it in a new way. As a Holmes fan from way back, I think we found a mix that will please traditionalists without being old-fashioned" said Bill Taylor, who plays Sherlock Holmes

"It was a lot of fun bringing such iconic and mysterious characters to life, and digging deep into their lives. The biggest challenge was trying to make these iconic characters not only believable, but our own" said Ed Conn, who plays James Larabee (a.k.a. Godfrey Norton)

Bringing these famous characters to life required an excellent local cast.

"It's a great cast, all very experienced actors, so we could connect quickly and really dig into figuring out who our characters were and how they relate to each other" said Taylor

"It's really fun to see it all come together. From the initial read through, I had a lot of questions about how this complicated play would be staged. Now that we're almost to the performances, it has come together in a way that I think the audience will enjoy" said Kit McGinnis, who plays Irene Adler

The cast is ready to share this beloved mystery series with an audience this Halloween season during Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure.

"It's a really fun mix: there are mysteries and surprises, of course, but also humor, and the story of the evolving relationships between the characters" said Taylor

"This is a great retailing of a classic. The abstract quality of it should be visually appealing to the audience and keep them alert through the whole piece!" said Conn

"It's a fast-paced and funny show that people who love mysteries will love. Those who love Sherlock Holmes will delight in seeing all of their favorite characters come to life on stage" said McGinnis.

"The casting is terrific all around, from Sherlock and Watson to the supporting cast. And it's Sherlock Holmes! What could be better on an October evening?" said Lydia Dunn, who plays Post Mistress/Ensemble.

Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure also features Carl Dunn as Doctor Watson, Tim Seltzer as Professor Moriarty, Charles Boyce as The King of Bohemia, Amy Hebb as Madge Larabee (a.k.a. Marie), Micheal George as Sid Price, John-Michael Rolnick as Clergyman/Policeman/Ensemble and Martha Louden as Young Swiss/Ensemble.

Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure will run October 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23 at the Old Opera House, located at 204 N. George Street, Charles Town, WV. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8:00 PM and Sunday matinee performances are at 2:30 PM.. Tickets are $22 for adults, $19 for students and seniors and $15 for children. Please call 304-725-4420 or visit www.oldoperahouse.org to make reservations.

Photo Credit: Old Opera House

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