Darkness swallowed me as I stepped into the den of a 1930’s stage set in New York City. The theatre was musky. I clumsily made my way through the maze of chairs. The last time I visited the W.D. Powell Theatre was years ago with my sister when we watched And There There Were None. It still smelled like dry ice and popcorn just like it did when I was in high school.
Red and blue lights jumped off the window panes as fog snuck onto the stage. The spotlight drew my gaze to a tall figure in the middle of the stage. From the brim of the hat to the confident posture and poise, the profile was undeniable. It was Sherlock.
Union University’s theatre production of Sherlock Holmes is masterfully directed by Hannah Brandt, a senior theater major, as her senior capstone project.
“I’ve been obsessed with Sherlock since I was little,” said Brandt. “I read all the short stories I could get my hands on. I found this script in a random bookstore in New York City two years ago and loved it. It’s been two years in the making.”
When I found out that my good friend Kendall landed the role of Sherlock, I had to see the play for myself. While new to acting, junior film studies major Kendall Short steals the show.
“I figured it would be good to have something on my resume other than ‘went to college,’” said Short.
Short plays the role of Sherlock, a confident, poised, witty detective. As the acts progressed, I was captivated by Short’s ability to invoke Sherlock’s kaleidoscope of emotions. He pulled off Sherlock brilliantly. While they have their differences, Short and Sherlock are like-minded.
“He and I are very similar,” said Short. “We’re both very calculated people who don’t show their emotions a whole lot.”
Other than playing tree number four and Mowgli from the Jungle book, Short had no real acting experience. He was fresh to the stage. Brandt creatively worked with him to develop his character. With time, Sherlock brought out a new side to him.
“As Sherlock, he has to take command of the scene,” said Brandt. “Kendall is more of a shy, kind guy and he felt bad yelling at the other characters. So, I had him smack a table with magazines before every line to facilitate anger. And it worked.”
The play features a variety of seasoned actors, many of whom are seniors. The plot intertwines comedy and action as each act builds upon passion, wit, deception and suspense.
“This isn’t the Sherlock Holmes you read in grade school,” said Brandt. “This is Sherlock in the 20th century with a more modern feel while still keeping the struggle for power and the traditional themes within the book. Expect excitement, suspense, edge-of-your-seat action and fight choreography. Come ready to be surprised.”
Sherlock Holmes runs November 8-12 at 7:30 p.m., as well as a matinee show Saturday at 2:30 p.m. The cost is $5 per students, staff, faculty and alumni if purchased before the show. General admission is $7. Ticket prices go up $2 the day of the show.