Henderson, Tennessee – (August 2, 2024) – Get ready for a night of laughter and mystery as Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) brings “Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” to the stage. Directed by Kevin Record, this year’s show features a talented ensemble of FHU alumni, friends and Chester County locals. The performances are set for Thursday through Saturday, August 15-17, 2024, in the Black Box Theatre.
“This production blends the thrill of a classic whodunit with the humor and creativity that only our talented cast can bring,” said Dr. Cliff Thompson, FHU Professor of Theatre. “Our alumni shows are a beloved tradition, and this year’s cast is particularly excited to share their hard work with the community.” Thompson portrays Lestrade, a self-absorbed Scotland Yard police detective who is always at odds with Holmes.
The show features 11 cast members, with six actors taking on multiple roles, each with distinct personalities and appearances. This creative challenge adds a dynamic and entertaining element to the performance. “I’m playing seven different characters who look and sound so different, and it’s been fun trying to create these people,” Thompson said.
Seth Wilson, an experienced actor and FHU alumnus, plays Stapleton, among other characters. “Playing both my main character, Stapleton, and various others is always fun and engaging. Stapleton himself is a very high-energy, animated and almost larger-than-life character that requires me to never miss a beat with both his large and small qualities that make him unique,” Wilson said. “‘Baskerville’ is a show that everyone can enjoy. You don’t need to have a PhD in everything Sherlock Holmes to have fun and enjoy all the quirky characters and shenanigans the group gets up to. At the same time, however, real Sherlock diehards are going to have a blast with this new take on a famous tale.”
Wilson’s theater journey began in high school, and he has since been involved in multiple Freed-Hardeman productions, including lead roles in “Shipwrecked!,” “Working for Crumbs” and “Holmes and Watson.”
This production is FHU alumna Rachel Irwin’s 15th show. She is portraying Mrs. Barrymore. “She has been very fun to play. She is Swedish and silly, but she balances the drama nicely,” Irwin said. “This mystery takes some interesting twists and should entertain those who know the story and surprise those who don’t!”
The creative team behind this production includes Chris Gann as prop master, Nate Cass as set designer and Amelia LaJoie as costume designer. Rehearsals have been underway since early June, with the cast meeting two to three evenings a week, preparing for what promises to be a memorable performance.
“We have an all-star alumni cast, so everyone should come out for a night of great theatre,” Irwin said.
Performance Details:
- Dates: Thursday through Saturday, August 15-17 at 7 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee August 17.
- Venue: Freed-Hardeman University’s Black Box Theatre
- Tickets: $12, available at fhutickets.com. Early purchase is recommended as the show tends to sell out quickly.