By Shawn Maus
Shawn Says: Nobody Kills Sherlock… But You Just Might Die Laughing
Before the first suspect even sips their wine, Nobody Kills Sherlock by Kathleen Maule Holen lets you know you’re in for a cheeky, clever, murderously fun ride. A sharply written whodunnit with a wicked sense of humor, this staged production at the Bell Tower Performing Arts Center is a work-in-progress that already feels like a solid night at the theater. But more than that, it’s your chance to help shape the next great comic mystery.
Directed by Bob Allen and developed over the past month in collaboration with the playwright, this Cincinnati LAB Theatre New Works premiere offers up everything I love in a good murder mystery: red herrings, razor-sharp wit, twisty plotting, and a deliciously dysfunctional dinner party. (Pro tip: watch the books on display—there’s a new bestseller you won’t want to miss.)
The cast? First-rate. Their timing? Impeccable. And the laughs? Steady and smart—think Clue, but with a literary flair and a nod to Holmesian lore. The minimalist staging—just a lectern, a dining setup, and some cleverly used books—keeps the focus where it should be: on the cracking dialogue and devilish plot.
CAST LIST:
- Director: Robert Allen
- Playwright: Kathe Holen
- Weldon Burger: Ryan Bowron
- Angela X Crispy: Linda Berman Callahan
- Kat Fisher: Eileen Earnest
- Carol Holiday: Carrington Rowe
- Sherlock: Darren Lee
- Inspector Wayne: Aaron Epstein
- Paul: Eric Kilpatrick
Is it perfect? Not yet. And that’s the point. It’s a new work in development—one of three fully staged productions CLT is premiering as part of their New Works series this week and next. I’d love to see a little more development for two of the characters, a subplot or two to add depth, and honestly? Add 10-15 minutes. Yes, I said add. This could absolutely fill out a 90-minute run and leave audiences even more satisfied.
What makes this extra special is the talkback after the show. Stick around. Your feedback could help mold this script into its final form. It’s rare that audiences get this level of access to the creative process, and Cincinnati LAB Theatre has been doing it for 12 seasons. Twelve! How did I miss this? It’s one of the best-kept secrets in the Cincinnati theater scene—and trust me, the city’s theater royalty knows it too. I spotted a few familiar faces in the crowd on opening night.
Tickets to Cincinnati LAB Theatre New Works Festival
In addition to Nobody Kills Sherlock, CLT is producing two more fully staged world premieres (Thursday–Saturday) and two Sunday readings, with an all-access pass that gives you the most bang for your theater buck. The Festival runs July 17-26, 2025. Tickets are available online (https://cincylabtheatre.wixsite.com/cincylab/tickets) or at the door. All performances are at Cincinnati’s Bell Tower Arts Pavilion in Evendale.
Why Should You Go?
So why should you go? Because new works matter. Supporting new plays helps playwrights grow, strengthens the theater community, and gives audiences a say in what tomorrow’s stages will look like. You’re not just watching a play. You’re helping make one.
Shawn Says…mystery loves company. Sherlock may not die, but you’ll be slayed by the laughs. Grab a seat, crack the case, and be part of the story behind the script.
