Rattaya Nimibutr
Staff Writer
Review
Solving crimes is a profession no one does better than the world's most famous duo from Baker Street. If you haven't realized who they are by now, you need to review your knowledge of popular English literature.
The ingenious Sherlock Holmes and his ever-faithful sidekick Dr. Watson reappear, this time better than ever, on-stage at the Alley Theater during the Exxon Summer Chills '98 run of Sherlock's Last Case.
Suspense and mystery are, of course, all there, but writer Charles Marowitz puts a brilliant twist on a case that Holmes never thought he would have to solve.
When the detective receives a death threat from the heir of his arch-nemesis Dr. Moriarty, Holmes challenges his own mentality to rationalize past things in perspective. And what turns out to be the answer is a nod to why this could be his so-called last case.
Even more suspenseful is the visit from Liza Moriarty (Elizabeth Heflin), who not only has a story of her own that darkens the plot of the scheme, but has Holmes weak on his knees due to her feminine persuasion.
The expectation of "Whodunit?" surfaces often enough for those who expect it out of the Sherlock series. Along with that, humor is key role in the proceedings this time around.
John Feltch portrays Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's famous detective as brilliantly as Holmes himself would pick up on an overlooked piece of evidence. With the notorious smoke pipe and flare overcoat, Feltch portrays the top-notch detective right on the money.
Equally commendable and clever is the short, stout, moralistic Dr. Watson, played by James Black. His depiction of a rather adult-like party between the two is a striking situation to watch and one that Black displays exceptionally well.
Majorie Carroll appears as Mrs. Hudson, a housekeeper who is also a piece of bait in the puzzling crime, while Inspector Lestrade (Paul Hope) is like any other professional clue-finder in these detective matters. Both Carroll and Hope give their supporting roles more than average enthusiasm.
Heflin is enchanting as Liza Moriarty, whose storytelling doesn't make you yawn like some monologues in other plays tend to do. Her charm and intellect make the production even more alluring than it already is.
Throughout the play, the audience sat with how-did-you-know-that-Holmes? expressions on their faces, all the while being exposed to the quick-wit inserts that eased the mood.
Directed by Nick Corley, Sherlock's Last Case lets you in on the mystery to wander on your own, and it also provides some hilarious side commentary on just about everything. You'll find yourself raising and lowering your eyebrows in wonder while being guided through the puzzle by a first-rate cast with plenty of wit and style.
Performances of Sherlock's Last Case are at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday through Aug. 2 on the Alley Theatre's Large Stage, 615 Texas Ave. Tickets are $16. Call (713) 228-8421 for more information.