Springhouse in Smyrna Presents 'Sherlock Holmes'

 Rachel Towle

Motlow Buzz Contributing

       SMYRNA, Tenn. - - Springhouse Worship and Arts Center, a community theatre located in 

Smyrna, Tennesee, will present the play "Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery" from April 27-

29.       

          The show follows detective Sherlock Holmes and his partner Dr. John Watson as they attempt

to solve the mystery surrounding the moors of Baskerville. The audience met a character named Dr. 

Mortimer who believed that a devlish hound was prowling the moors. The original owner of 

Baskerville Sir Hugo Baskerville kidnapped a young woman and brought her to his home. When she 

escaped at night, Sir Hugo ran after her through the moors and was attacked by a giant hound.

            The heir to the Baskerville fortune, Sir Charles Basherville, was thought to have died under 

suspicious circumstances. Dr. Mortimer told Sherlock Holmes that when he witnessed the event, he 

saw a startled look on Sir. Charles' face and giant pawprints nearby.

            It is up to Sherlock and Dr. Watson to solve the mystery of what happened to the previous 

owners and prevent the next heir, Sir Henry, from meeting the same fate.

            The script was written by American playwright Ken Ludwig and is based on Conan Doyle's 

novel, "The Hound of Baskerville."

            The plot dealt with dark themes, while each scene consisted of humorous characters.

            "When I read the script, I was intriqued," Director Charlotte Myhre said. "There is a lot of 

honesty in the midst of comedy. It's a massive story told by a small cast."

            The focus is placed more on the plot and characters instead of the overall set design. It is full 

of entertaining characters and surprising costume changes. The cast is made up of five people, and 

three of them play multiple characters.

            The role of Sherlock Holmes if played by Phil Brady and Dr. Watson is played by Dee 

Rogers.

            "I would describe Sherlock as an overachiever, intense, attention deficit, intelligent, and 

creative," Brady said.

            Actor Jacob Myhre plays 14 characters, inlcuding Dr. Mortimer, Baron Scarpia, Man with 

Black Beard, Lucy, Milker, Castilian Desk Clerk, Trap Driver, Barrymore, Stapleton, Victor, Doctor 

McCann, Country Farmer, Hound, and Sir John Falstaff.

            Actor Matthew Dale Carona portrays seven characters, including Sir Charles Baskerville, 

Daisy, Sir Hugo Baskerville, Bradley the Tobacconist, Sir Henry Baskerville, Wilson, and Inspector 

Lestrade.

            Actress Kristen Ownby plays 15 characters, including Mrs. Hudson, Maiden, Shepherdess, 

Floria Tosca, Cartwright, German Maid, Baby, Mrs. Clayton, Train Conductor, Mrs. Barrymore, 

Miss Stapleton, Nurse Malloy, Winnie, Nurse MacKeeble, and Laura Lyons.

            The cast and crew spent two months preparing for opening night. Ownby contacted actresses 

from different parts of the world to learn the different accents she uses for each character.

            Quick costume changes were scheduled and had to be perfected by the cast and wardrobe. 

Stage hands were responsible for moving sets and props on and off stage. 

            The audience laughed at the humor portrayed amid the dark themes and applauded the quick 

costume changes.  

            "It's neat to see the high level-skill portrayed by the characters quickly, as well as the 

different accents, too, especially with just five people," audience member Margaret Tant said.      

            Springhouse first became a performing arts center more than 10 years ago and showcases 

around four plays a season. The list of shows, showtimes and ticket prices are available on their 

website at springhousesmyrna.com/. The theatre is located at 14119 Old Nashville Highway in 

Smyrna.

            Showtimes for "Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery" include April 27 at 7:30 p.m., 

April 28 at 7:30 p.m., and April 29 at 3:30 p.m.