Review by Willie Caldwell
The Game is Afoot at Human Race Theater Company.
Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson, Apt. 2B, presented by The Human Race Theatre Company, is a delightful and irreverent take on the iconic characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This play, written by Kate Hamill, cheerfully desecrates the stories of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson taking audiences on a wild ride reminiscent of a Saturday Night Live skit (meant in the best possible way). Audiences will laugh, guffaw, and wonder what the heck just happened.
The Play
Set in a cozy apartment in London, the story unfolds as Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson tackles a series of mysterious happenings while also grappling with their own personal challenges. The play cleverly intertwines elements of mystery with humor, showcasing the absurdity of Doyle’s tales while infusing them with modern sensibilities. Roles are gender flipped, dead bodies begin to pile up, and a ½ gallon of stage blood causes things to be messy and marvelous.
The production thrives on its absurdity, joyfully subverting the expectations of classic detective narratives. The play invites the audience to laugh at the very conventions that have defined the genre for over a century. The playful dialogue and witty repartee between the characters create a vibrant atmosphere that keeps the audience engaged and entertained for the duration of the show’s 2.5 hour run time.
The Cast of Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson Apt. 2B
The small, ensemble cast delivers punch after punch of slick dialogue and slapstick humor, with each actor showcasing their versatility and impeccable timing. Shonita Joshi brings a delightfully eccentric energy to Ms. Sherlock Holmes, capturing the detective’s brilliant mind and social awkwardness with equal aplomb. Maggie Lou Rader’s Ms. Joan Watson serves as the perfect foil, her exasperated reactions and growing confidence providing a hilarious counterpoint to Holmes’ antics.
Kelly Mengelkoch dazzles in multiple roles, particularly shining as the seductive Irene Adler and the long-suffering Mrs. Hudson. Mengelkoch portrays several characters, including a dead body, to such a level of realization that it’s nearly impossible to take your eyes off of her whenever she is on stage.
Matthew Sierra rounds out the cast with his chameleon-like ability to inhabit various characters, most notably the bumbling Inspector Lestrade.
It is a joy to watch talented, well-trained actors revel in the absurdity of the play, their palpable chemistry and barely contained laughter adding an extra layer of fun to the proceedings. At times, their comment to the increasingly ridiculous situations teeters on the edge of breaking character, creating moments of delicious tension that only heighten the audience’s enjoyment.
The Production
The technical production showcases the Human Race Theater Company’s commitment to excellence. Director Heather Wilson-Bowlby vision is brilliantly realized through Jeff Heater’s ingenious scenic design, which transforms the thrust stage into a versatile playground for the actors. Technical Director Mackenzie Perin’s execution of the set’s functionality is particularly noteworthy, especially in the seamless transitions between the hallway and apartment, achieved through the precise timing of a pivoting door. This clever mechanism allows for rapid scene changes that maintain the play’s brisk pacing.
The Human Race Theater Company once again demonstrates their ability to reinvent their space, with this production being no exception to their track record of innovative stagecraft. However, a set transformation in the second act, while ambitious, creates some lighting challenges. The resulting shadows occasionally obscure the actor’s faces during crucial moments of the play’s climax, slightly detracting from the emotional impact of these scenes.
Despite this minor setback, the overall professional quality of the production is remarkable. It’s a testament to the talent and dedication of the entire technical team that such a polished and engaging theatrical experience can be found in Dayton, Ohio. The level of craftsmanship on display is both surprising and refreshing, rivaling productions typically associated with larger theater markets.
The Human Race Theater Company
Founded in 1986, The Human Race Theater Company has established itself as a cornerstone of Dayton’s arts scene, known for its commitment to producing high-quality theatrical experiences. Under the executive direction of Kappy Kilburn and artistic direction of Emily Wells, The Human Race is a slick, modern, well-polished company focusing on inclusivity and accessibility of theater for all. The modernized playbill is a two-sided postcard with a QR code offering a deeper look to a digital playbill.
The company offers “Pay What You Can” food drives that have collected over 30-tons of food for the Dayton Food Bank. In addition, the forward thinking company also offers “Parents Day Out” which offers free childcare in the form of theater games and workshops while parents are able to see a show. With such a commitment to inclusivity and equality, The Human Race continues to exemplify what contemporary theater can accomplish when working to build community, accountability, and equitability through the theater arts.
Tickets to Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson Apt. 2B
Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson, Apt. 2B runs from October 9 – 20th. Tickets are available online at www.humanracetheatre.org or by calling the box office at 937-228-3630.
