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“Elementary, my dear Watson.” Detective Sherlock Holmes has reemerged as a celebrated icon in Notre Dame High School’s première production of the three-act comedy, Murder at 221B by school technical adviser Michael S. Flood. With Sherlock Holmes suspected of Watson’s murder and the prized Weston emerald stolen, numerous characters take on disguises and adopt mistaken identities in order to clear the detective’s name and locate the priceless jewel.

Many actors and actresses had the opportunity to shine by filling the production’s many leading and supporting roles. Notably, Mark Messmer as Wiggins and Charlie Moody as Ashbottom had stage chemistry and were able to drive the show forward. Renee Molner as Olivia Hudson shined through her subtle and realistic acting skills, and Carolina de Legarreta successfully played a highly comedic and lovable character. While Jayme Bodi as Sherlock Holmes and Jordan Lambay as Watson were not granted much stage time, their intent to portray these icons subtly was evident. Even Jack Zimmerman as Professor Moriarty had outstanding physicality and Katherine Potts as Natalia effervesced with energy and drive.

Murder at 221B was very much conducive to a large cast, giving many players a moment to shine. Wil Spaeth as Cragsworthy and Adam Kaul as Hutch skillfully opened the first act, demonstrating deft maneuvering around the intricate set. While Rachel Rone as Jenny Lyons had a stunning stage presence, Bridget Biundo as Roxanne played a convincing femme fatale and Caroline Knese as Lady Weston showed off her diverse acting skills by successfully portraying the intricate character. Even Lauren Lundy and Allison Moser as Mona and Mona provided a comedic background with their tomfooleries, and Erin Kramper and Rachel Marinaro as Sapphire Ring and Ruby Ring brought energy and strong character choices to the stage. The cast was rounded out by the cameo players in their brief yet promising performances.

The intricate set, depicting Holmes’ apartment at 221B Baker Street, framed the story beautifully, and the props proved to be a professional technical aspect of the play. The female principal’s costumes were not only well-tailored but very much indicative of the respective characters’ personalities, and both the lighting and the sound design and execution raised the production to the next level.

In addition to the actors’ remarkable dexterity at maneuvering around the intricate set, the players proved deft at performing the numerous exits and entrances, whether through one of the multiple doors, one of the windows or the smoking fireplace. The cast’s approach to the daunting task of utilizing accents was very much commendable and quite a few players successfully brought energy and drive to the production.

Notre Dame High School’s première production of Murder at 221B served to entertain and was full of remarkable talent and well-designed and executed technical aspects. Detective Holmes himself would agree that the production exceed the “elementary.”

by Carly Beard of Clayton High School