With two blockbuster films, the new CBS show “Elementary” and a popular BBC series all offering contemporary takes on Sherlock Holmes, the quirky detective has never been cooler among teens.
In its annual spring musical “Baker Street,” set for April 19-21, East Troy High School will share the enduring appeal of the British super sleuth with locals of all ages.
“Sherlock Holmes has certainly been a trending kind of story,” said co-director Deb Williamson. “It’s about friendships and relationships and really recognizable.”
She said there has never been a better time to bring the musical drama to the ETHS stage, since this year marks the 125th anniversary of the first appearance of Sherlock Holmes.
The local performance of “Baker Street” is loosely based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “A Scandal in Bohemia.”
“Baker Street” was written by Jerome Coopersmith with music and lyrics by Marian Grudeff and Rayomnd Jessel.
The Broadway production was nominated for four Tony Awards in 1965 and won the award for Best Scenic Design under the direction of Wisconsin native, Oliver Smith.
In the story, Sherlock Holmes and his faithful associate Dr. Watson take on the case of one of the Queen’s lieutenants who is missing some scandalous love letters.
The letters were written to a beautiful American actress, Irene Adler, who has no intention of handing them over.
“Holmes enlists the aid of the Baker Street Irregulars to retrieve the letters and solve the case,” said Williamson. “What they find not only opens the letters, but also a case of mystery and intrigue involving Holmes’ arch enemy Professor Moriarty.”
Williamson said she considered doing Sherlock Holmes the musical, but liked “Baker Street” better.
She said the show has mystery, romance, drama and laughter.
“This might be one of the first musical dramas the students have done. This isn’t your ‘Guys and Dolls’ or ‘Sound of Music.’ It’s different in that regard,” Williamson said.
While the show has its share of solos and duets, there are also a number of big productions.
The Baker Street Irregulars, a gang of young street children, were taught an Irish dance from teacher Julia Borini.
Williamson said there is another surprise big number at the end of the show that was choreographed by ETHS alumna Josie Henningfeld.
Like family
The 27-member cast and four-member crew and pit, totaling almost 50 students, has spent the past eight very long weeks in rehearsals every night from 6-9 p.m., as well as weekend work.
“It’s a really demanding thing,” said Williamson. People don’t realize that about theater. They think it’s a bunch of goofing around, but it’s as demanding as being part of any physical athletic team. They spend every night singing, dancing and doing lines.”
She said the entire cast and crew has become very close while preparing for the show’s debut.
“Productions like this really create a family. We are all struggling with the fact that the seniors are going to be gone soon,” Williamson said.
The cast is a mix of seniors and newcomers.
“Our seniors really have led the way, but we have a lot of new talent coming up playing more commanding roles. It’s sort of a passing of the torches,” Williamson said.
ETHS seniors, Dylan Jester and Gage Risen, play the dynamic and sometimes dysfunctional duo of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, respectively.
“Dr. Watson is very much the straight character, while Sherlock Holmes has all sorts of eccentricities,” Williamson said.
Williamson said Jester and Risen’s real-life friendship is a key element to the performance.
“Their friendship on and off the stage really is important because you have to believe they are good friends for the play to work,” Williamson said. “Watson can give Sherlock Holmes advice and be his right-hand man because they are good friends.”
Sophomore Lexi Mitchell plays Holmes’ key love interest Irene Adler.
“She has a beautiful operatic voice, so there are lots of times when she sings,” said Williamson.
Emily Prange fills the role of Adler’s assistant, Daisy.
Senior Tyler Pinkert plays the evil Professor Moriarty.
“He’s out to kill Sherlock Holmes,” said Williamson.
Tyler Fridley plays Wiggens, the leader of the Baker Street Irregulars, along with the rest of the gang, including Abe Oxley-Hase as McKipper, Noah Risen as Duckbellows, Michael Lois as Perkins (and Lt. Gregg), MaiLei Meyers as Nipper (and Mrs. Hudson), Jessi Falk and Teagen Oxley-Hase as Basky and Hound.
Shawn Raymond plays Inspector Lestrade.
Other members of the cast include: Michael Benedict, Sean Canavan, Grace Christianson, McKenna Farmer, Matt Fox, Francesca Furlan, Annie Heffernan, Mark Jones, Natalie Mengel, Nicholas Nolting, Alex Schmieden, Ashley Strunsee, Jacob Thoreson, Hannah Purnell.
Crewmembers are: Brooke Bartlett, Katrina Schell, Randy Rafa Todd and Josh Marshke.
The musical director is Brian Zwick, a recent UW-Whitewater graduate.
In addition to her co-director role, Williamson handles costuming and choreography.
Williamson has a long history with East Troy’s drama department. She directed her first play in 2001 and stayed on as costume designer. This is her sixth consecutive year directing.
Williamson and her husband Phil, who is co-directing, established Creative Outlets Theatre Company in Whitewater and perform shows year round.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: East Troy High School’s spring musical “Baker Street”
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20 and 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 21
WHERE: East Troy High School, 3128 Graydon Ave.
TICKETS: $8 for adults and $5 for students
INFO: Call 642-6760
