Synopsis:

• Dr. John Watson, retired to London with wounds suffered in the Afghan campaign, and in desperate need of rest and recuperation, is introduced to a young chemist in search of someone to share his Baker Street rooms.
  

• Watson quickly learns that his new roommate is no ordinary chemist, and that his life will soon be anything but restful, when two mysteries are brought to their door --- the discovery of a priceless gem in the crop of a Christmas goose, and the sudden and inexplicable death of a young woman in her stepfather's manor house.





Background of the Play:



• Readers and other followers of the wondrous tales of Sherlock Holmes and his chronicler, Dr. John Watson, will quickly recognize the sources of this engaging and delightful play, A Study in Scarlet, The Adventure of the Speckled Band, and The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle, with smatterings of several other of the 60 original stories mixed in.
  

  Review of an earlier production:
  
  

  • In her highly enthusiastic review of our earlier production of this play, Morning Call and Drama Desk critic Myra Outwater wrote,in 2004
    
    If you are a Sherlock Holmes fan, you’ll love The Crowded Kitchen Players' production of "Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Christmas Goose," And if you aren't, after watching David Oswald's maddingly self-assured portrayal of the arrogant and often persnickety famous detective, you will be.
    
    Director Ara Barlieb has adapted three of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's most famous Holmes mysteries - "A Study in Scarlet," "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle" and "The Adventure of the Speckled Band" - to create an original and very satisfying, if abbreviated, story. Add in a capable, and adaptable professional cast and a Christmas theme, and the result is a fast-moving and very entertaining production.
    
    The story begins in 1881 and recaps the fIrst meeting of Dr. Watson and the eccentric Holmes. Watson, who has just returned from the Afghanistan campaign, is wounded, weary and in search of affordable accommodations. A friend introduces him to Holmes who quickly seduces him with his glib charm and overbearing manner. Before long, "the game is afoot," and the very affable and agreeable Watson, played with just the right amount of honesty and honor by Tom Harrison, finds himself Holmes' accomplice as the two attempt to solve two mysteries - an eerie murder and a puzzling theft of a Christmas goose.
    
    Not only are Oswald and Harrison top-notch, but Jill Clayson as the unhappy Helen Stoner gives an extraordinarily effective and composed perfor¬mance as a woman in fear of her madman stepfather. Clayson's portrayal of the elegant Helen is a paradigm of. maidenly restraint and grace. Keith Medash is a powerful, churlish and villainous Dr. Roylott who, although he can reduce his stepdaughters to tears, is. unable to use his brute force to intimidate Holmes. Mary Ann Ashner is a white-haired. (wow, what a wig!) kindly and guileless Mrs. Hudson. Pamela Wallace is a goodhearted and simple Mrs. Oakshott. Jack McGavin plays Inspector Henderson with the simple bluntness of a country Englishman, and Don Swan is a peppy and uncomplaining Commissionaire Peterson. Swan, like the rest of the cast, is full of an enthusiasm which makes the often-convoluted plot move along effortlessly.
    
    Barlieb has confronted the challenges of the limited stage with imagination. With the help of set designer Dave Purgganan, he moves his cast along briskly from a Baker Street study to a country pub to a country manor to a simple barnyard. Purgganan and his crew’s clever way of changing sets makes it part of the action. Scene changes become a source of anticipation. Veronica Provenzano's costumes add just the right period flavor and the background noises and special effects add to the overall sense of adventure and mystery.
    
    Please read the review section of our website.

    Crowded Kitchen Players
    

    Reservations and Information: (610) 395-7176 or E-mail