In front of a full house on opening night, Avon Players staged Holmes and Watson by Jeffrey Hatcher, a brain-tickling mystery running until March 21, 2026, in Rochester Hills, Michigan.
Sherlock Holmes is dead. Or is he?
Three years after the famous incident at Reichenbach Falls with his nemesis, Professor James Moriarty, Sherlock’s most trusted companion, Dr. John Watson (Mark Colley, Laughter on the 23rd Floor) is summoned by Dr. Evans (Peter Giessl, Avon Players debut) to a remote Scottish asylum where three men are claiming to be the world’s most famous detective, and it’s up to Watson to suss out which one is the real deal.
The staging for this production is sparse, with a few simple props making all the movements tightly structured. This allows your attention to focus on the interrogations while reminding you of the bleak surroundings.
Each ‘Sherlock” has an opportunity to recount his version of events that fateful night at the Falls, which is cleverly performed with shadow acting.
Holmes #1 (Will Johnson) displays all the deductive nuances commonly associated with the character. He greets Watson like an old friend, but eventually becomes physical during his interrogation.
Holmes #2 (Joseph Tobin) is sizeable and imposing, and spends most of the performance in a straitjacket, tapping into another aspect of the detective’s personality that shows his unstable and unpredictable side. Especially when he is under the influence of drugs. He also aggressively questions Watson’s identity.
Holmes #3 (Aaron Barnes, Young Frankenstein) presents as a bit of a mystery because he is blind, deaf, and mute. Or is he? At first, Watson discounts him, but later decides he’s worth a closer look.
It is interesting to note that none of the ‘Holmes’ share any physical characteristics. They are three completely different-looking men, which makes you wonder why Watson doesn’t spot the real Sherlock straight away. Is it all part of his process? Or is he just keeping his cards close to his vest?
Front L to R: Mark Colley as Dr. John Watson and Peter Giessl as Dr. Evans. Back L to R: Will Johnson as Holmes #1, Joseph Tobin as Holmes #2, and Aaron Barnes as Holmes #3. Photo credit: Bryan Clifford
Rounding out this enigmatic cast are the asylum’s Matron (Katelyn Brackney, The Prince of Egypt) and Orderly (Michael Zois, The Diary of Anne Frank).
As the play progresses, we are introduced to other characters. A mysterious woman (also played by Katelyn Brackney), a possibly corrupt Inspector (Michael Zois again), and a fantastical story that may or may not be relevant. All these elements are what make this play so fun and intriguing.
Every moment of Holmes and Watson feels important. A slip of paper. A telegram. An exchanged look. Anything could be a clue that matters and gets you closer to unmasking Sherlock’s identity. Your mind is constantly trying to figure out how it all plays into the bigger picture. And that is what locks you into the action and makes you fully vested from start to finish. More than once, I found myself leaning in and hanging on every word to make sure I wasn’t missing something important.
Of course, there is only so much I can share without giving away the ending. But I can tell you that all the twists and red herrings lead to a delightful reveal where everything is tied into a satisfying bow at the end. Holmes and Watson is an intelligent thriller that will have you questioning everything you just watched.
While Sir Arthur Conan Doyle may have loathed his most famous creation, all the film and television adaptations, along with plays like Holmes and Watson, prove how much people love these characters and that a well-constructed mystery never goes out of style.
Holmes and Watson is an ingenious twist on the locked room mystery and will challenge even the most ardent mystery buffs to figure out the ending. The question is, are you game to try?
This performance runs 90 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. Holmes and Watson is presented through special arrangements with Dramatists Play Service. This production has been rated PG for adult themes. This production also includes loud gunshot noises.
Holmes and Watson is directed by Lori Smith with Matt Cason as associate director and Mark Palmer as producer. Costumes, lighting design, and set dress is by John (JD) Deierlein, with Patty Hagel on properties, and hair and makeup by Maia Fetter. Mark Palmer also serves as sound designer, with Sharon Jourdan as scenic painter and Jeff Stillman as set designer.
Tickets for all shows are $28. Call 248-608-9077 for tickets or order online at www.AvonPlayers.org. Discounts on group rates are available by calling the box office. All major credit cards are accepted. All seats are reserved.
Put on your deerstalker and get ready to crack the clues at one of these remaining performances:
Saturday, March 7; 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 8; 2:00 p.m.
Friday, March 13; 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 14; 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 15; 2:00 p.m.
Friday, March 20; 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 21; 8:00 p.m.
About Sarah Hovis