Theatre Review: 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' at Pomperaug

Southbury - The Pomperaug Theatre Company is presenting a production of “The Hound of the Baskervilles” this weekend on the stage on their Southbury campus. The play is subtitled “A Comic Thriller Starring Shirley Holmes and Jennie Watson.”

This play was adapted by Kent R. Brown, inspired of course by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It is set in 1889 London. The licensing agency describes the piece as follows:

Sherlock Holmes and his faithful sidekick, Dr. John Watson, have left on an extended holiday throughout Europe, leaving their nieces—Shirley Holmes and Jennie Watson—to keep an eye on the famous flat at 221B Baker Street. Shirley, studying logic, and Jennie, studying medicine, are busy preparing for upcoming exams when there's a knock on the door. It's Dr. Maxine Mortimer and Sir Henry Baskerville, who've come to seek the assistance of the famous Sherlock Holmes. Sir Charles Baskerville has died a mysterious death. Is he the most recent victim of the Curse of the Baskervilles—a curse linked to the nightmarish tales of a supernatural hound that haunts the murky moors of Devonshire?

But wait, there's more! The young Sir Henry, the only surviving heir to the Baskerville legacy, has received a threat against his life! Something must be done! There's no time to recall Holmes and Watson from their trip. "We're all you've got," says Shirley. "We're up to the challenge," chimes Jennie. And indeed they are! In this fast-paced adaptation, full of wailing hounds, thundering hooves, and the slithering mists of the moor, Shirley and Jennie follow the trail of evidence and intrigue until, at last, they are confronted by the ravenous Hound itself!

There are some very funny sections mixed in with the mysterious bits, with lots of physical comedy. Madge O’Toole once again directed the students perfectly.

The Pomperaug students performed in black masks, some with facial hair attached to them for effect. At the final dress rehearsal, the students could be heard clearly for the most part.

The opening of Act One was pretty scary, with noises and dancers dressed in all black haunting the aisles. The second act opens with a helpful wrap up of the action so far delivered by the lead character of Jennie Watson, played winningly by Kate Goncalves.

Lauren SanFanAndre is the statuesque Shirley Holmes. Benjamin Dressel plays the role of Sir Henry Baskerville and Aidan Kelly portrays Sir Charles Baskerville, while Alex Roper is Hugo Baskerville. Robert Lee takes on the role of Barrymore. Bella Husk plays Dr. Maxine (Max) Mortimer and Maddie Parrella covers the role of Victoria and Lestrade. Melanie Redline plays a brave messenger.

Ramyaka Annambhotla plays Laura Lyons, whose initials are important, and Gabby Ciccarino plays Shepherd 1. Ciaran Flanagan appears as the ex-convict Selden. Aisling Gowen plays Dorothea Stapleton and Jimmy Hunter is John Stapleton. Isabella Ruiz is the moody Mrs. Barrymore.

Maille Kimble is a very funny maid and Holly Masi plays a maiden. Henchmen are played by Hannah Ali, Kiera Deweese, and Alice Sudgen, all of whom appear as dancers. Many of the performers also were part of the paint crew.

A student accompanies some of the scenes on violin very effectively. Be forewarned that toy guns are used and that there are some strobe light effects. Emily Also is assistant director, with Aliza Creel as musical director. Julia Groves designed the period costumes and Kayleigh Ecsedy gathered the props, including a scary red-eyed hound.

The stagecraft classes of Mrs. O’Toole worked hard on the set for the show and it showed. The murky Moor complete with fog is a work of art hidden behind a curtain until needed. The sound effects crew was kept quite busy, as were the backstage crew members acknowledged at the curtain call.

The performance runs just about two hours including a 10 minute intermission “The Hound of the Baskervilles” is at PHS Nov 19-21, but only reserved tickets are available. No one can buy at the door due to health restrictions.