Majestic Theater in West Springfield, Mass.
Written by Stephen Canny and John Nicholson
Directed by Gina Kaufmann
“On reflection, I was a bit over the top.”
That quote, above, sums up the show. Three actors, playing 17 roles, perform a version of Arthur Conan Doyle’s masterpiece “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” a story in which Dr. Watson takes a leading role for a change. Jay Sefton, a favorite actor of mine, was supposed to play the role, but flu took its toll and his excellent understudy, Tom Dahl, stepped into the role and blew us all away. His simple, straightforward interpretation of the role kept the show as honest as it can be, and still the exaggerations of the script and direction moved us through a comic edition of the story and its characters. The show was funny; the three actors were delicious; and the show worked as well as it ever has. Thank you, Mr. Dahl.
Holmes was played by Abuzar Farrukh. The actor is short, bearded, and speaks with a distinctly non-British accent. Even so, his interpretation of the English sleuth is superb. He has a definite stage presence that gives his impression of this and other characters great strength and authority. These include the erotic Beryl Stapleton, who seduces both Watson and Sir Henry Baskerville, played by Jack Grigoli, an actor who seemingly can do nothing wrong. All three actors often step out of their roles to play themselves (or at least actors who use their names as their identities). This comic tradition adds to the joy of their playing, and their joy in addressing the audience directly provides fun all by itself.
The set and its movable pieces provide almost as much fun as the actors. Whether it is a door or a billiards table, a fireplace or a bed, a wall of windows or a long portrait gallery, this production’s fine design is the work of Dana Weintraub. Costumes have been created by Dawn McKay, who has delivered nicely for this show. The lighting design is the work of the talented Daniel David Rist.
Gina Kaufmann has delivered a perfect production with fine direction, especially in the seriously sweet moments between Holmes and Watson. In fact, the famous roommates almost assume the roles of lovers here.
Farce is not as easy to deliver as we might believe. It requires a level of reality that is often difficult to maintain when the goal is parody and laughter. What the company does here is create a world of uber-reality by stepping in and out of their roles to present themselves in a play intended to pry laughter out of a melodramatic situation. The level of success at the Majestic is as good as it gets… anywhere. The show is most enjoyable.
“The Hound of the Baskervilles” plays at the Majestic Theater, 131 Elm Street, West Springfield, MA, through February 15. For information and tickets, visit Majestic Theater’s website or call (413) 747-7797.
