'Sherlock Holmes' Play Opens Sunday at Jacobs

William Glynn isn't new to bringing plays to life at Harry D. Jacobs High School.

With more than 50 past performances of classics, including Guys and Dolls, Oliver! and The Grapes of Wrath under his belt, Glynn is now bringing the famous detective to the stage. 

"I wanted to do something with Sherlock Holmes," Glynn said. "It's very lighthearted for a murder mystery." 

The performance, Sherlock Holmes and the Doom of Devilsmore, is a classic: a murder mystery with abundant twists, turns and intrigue—and of course, the ever-present wit of the detective. It opens Nov. 7 and closes Nov.9.

"He's amused by stumping other people with his cleverness," said senior Chris Zeglin, who plays the iconic Holmes. Zeglin has been in several performances, including roles in The Grapes of Wrath, The King and I and Brave New World, among others.

"He's different than most stereotypical stock characters," Zeglin said. "He's really sarcastic, but more intelligent than he leads people to believe." 

Although there are many first-time actors in the cast, the students and their director said they are very excited for the challenge this particular show presents. 

"There's a lot of people who've never done it before and they're doing such a great job of it," said Leianne Piel, a student director. 

Both Piel and Sal LaCavera are both first-time student directors, but Glynn said he has the utmost confidence in them.

"We have great kids, these student directors," Glynn said. "I give them so much authority, I have so much confidence in them. I completely trust them. If I were sick, they could run the show and they would make it work."

The show, which opens Nov. 7, has a wide variety of different types of characters, which only adds more intrigue and suspense to the mystery.

Piel, who has also acted in past performances, said she was particularly excited for this show, because although it's more serious material, it also has a humorous side.

"Everyone loves a good murder mystery, everybody loves comedy," LaCavera said.  "Combine them and it's a great play." 

So what exactly is the audience in for when the curtains go up?

"Fun," LaCavera said.  "They're going to have to pay attention to the whole thing, but they're going to want to pay attention." 

Tickets will be sold at the door. The cost is $6 for students and $7 for adults. Performances will start at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday.