WELCOME TO
BASKERVILLE – PRE-SHOW
Scroll down to explore
1. ABOUT THE PLAY
Get ready for a thrilling mystery filled with adventure, danger, and lots of laughs! Ken Ludwig's Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery follows the famous detective and his loyal friend Dr. Watson as they race to solve the mystery of a terrifying hound said to haunt a small community. With over 35 zany characters played by just five actors, the story is full of twists, disguises, and fast-paced fun.
Can Holmes and Watson uncover the truth before the Baskerville family is doomed forever?
This play is adapted from the original story The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
2. A LITERARY LEGEND
Sherlock Holmes is a fictional character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in 1887. In a survey, 58% of British teens thought Sherlock was a real guy, so we won't judge you if you did too.
But, not being a real person doesn’t make him any less interesting. Sherlock is actually the most portrayed literary human character in film & TV history. The character has been reimagined by many people over the years, creating something we call a Palimpsest.
Click to watch a video about
'Why Sherlock Holmes is the world's best loved detective'
TERM TO KNOW
Palimpsest (noun) – Something (such as a piece of writing) reused or altered, but still bearing visible traces of its earlier form.
"Sherlock Holmes is the person we wish we all could be intellectually and morally."
– Heather Holloway
3. WHEN + WHERE
EARLY 1890s – The play is set during the later half of the Victorian era, which was during Queen Victoria's reign. The entire era lasted from the 1830s to 1900s.
VICTORIAN ENGLAND – During this time, Great Britain was the world’s most powerful empire. But life was much different back then. Here you can find some fun facts and story that will help you appreciate the play's setting:
LOCATIONS – The play takes place in London and the moors of Devonshire.
-
Moor: In the British Isles, “moorland” is often used to describe uncultivated hilly areas. If wet, a moor is generally synonymous with bog (wet spongy ground).
VICTORIAN ERA INSANITY
WATCH
Description: "The Victorian Era was an age of new discoveries and technologies that changed everything about the way we live. It basically created the modern world as we know it. But that time of transition also led to some very, very weird ideas and dangers that seem baffling today."
4. WHO'S WHO
MEET THE CAST
Here is the cast of Baskerville, and the roles they are playing (you can trust there will be a lot of costume changes). Click on each photo for the actor's bio. *Alley Theatre Resident Acting Company members.
TODD WAITE*
Sherlock Holmes
TODD WAITE'S ALLEY LEGACY AS SHERLOCK
Alley Theatre resident actor, Todd Waite has played Sherlock Holmes five times. He has been a resident acting company member with the Alley for almost 25 years, and this performance of Sherlock will be his final performance as a resident actor.
Visit our Alleypedia page for a list of every show Todd has done at the Alley!
CHRISTOPHER SALAZAR*
Doctor Watson
DYLAN GODWIN*
Actor 2:
-
Sir Charles Baskerville
-
Daisy
-
Sir Hugo Baskerville
-
Bradley the Tobacconist
-
Sir Henry Baskerville
-
Wilson
-
Inspector Lestrade
BRANDON HEARNSBERGER
Actor 1:
-
Dr. Mortimer
-
Baron Scarpia
-
Man with Black Beard
-
Lucy Milker
-
Castilian Desk Clerk
-
Train Conductor
-
Trap Driver
-
Barrymore
-
Stapleton
-
Victor
-
Doctor McCann
-
Country Farmer
-
Sir John Falstaff
ELIZABETH BUNCH*
Actress 1:
-
Mrs. Hudson
-
Maiden
-
Shepherdess
-
Floria Tosca
-
Cartwright
-
German Maid
-
Baby
-
Mrs. Clayton
-
Mrs. Barrymore
-
Miss Stapleton
-
Nurse Malloy
-
Winnie
-
Nurse MacKeeble
-
Laura Lyons
ABOUT THOSE COSTUME CHANGES...
With over 35 characters being played by 3 actors, the need for quick changes is higher than usual. Our team will be performing over 30 costume changes during the show!
Costumes are just one part of the change – even though some of the characters only have a few lines, the team goes above and beyond to flesh out each character's entire world, helping them give the best performance they can!
MEET THE ORIGINAL CREATOR OF SHERLOCK
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was a British doctor and author. His first Sherlock story, A Study in Scarlet, became a massive hit in 1887. While he wrote other great works, his Sherlock stories made him famous. However, he grew tired of the character, and even killed him off at one point. Public outcry was so great that decided to bring Holmes back from the dead.
MEET THE AUTHOR OF THIS PLAY
Ken Ludwig may well be the most performed playwright of his generation. Visit his website to browse some of his famous plays. Click here to take Ken's quiz and see how well you know Sherlock and here to do a Baskerville puzzle.
Many of his plays are often seen at Alley Theatre. Here's a clip from his most recent comedy produced at the Alley.
5. GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
SHERLOCK DETAILS
Here are some things mentioned in the play that might be unfamiliar to a modern audience member.
THE PIPE
People often associate Sherlock with his smoking pipe. It's an iconic image that has become part of his identity and endures in every version of the character.
Here's a photo of Todd Waite as Sherlock with the signature pipe in hand.
EXPLORING MELODRAMA
Ken Ludwig’s adaptation is a fast-paced blend of comedy and mystery. It features – and makes light of – elements of classic melodrama.
So what is melodrama, anyway? Watch the Crash Course on melodrama and follow it up with the activity below to get your students on their feet and into a melodrama of their very own.
6. YOUR PART IN THE PLAY
The show can't happen without an audience. Watch the video for some great advice on playing your part.
BONUS ACTIVITY
AUDIENCE ETIQUETTE
After watching the video, improvise scenes where you encounter the best and worst audience members. If you create something fun and want to share it, tag us at @alleytheatre on Instagram or Facebook for a chance to be featured on our social platforms.
