Many intricate parts are required for an engine to perform, this is also true for the engine of theater. In the latest production of The Death and Life of Sherlock Holmes the cast built a roaring engine.

Recent graduate Caleb Seaver ,who portrayed the role of Sherlock Holmes on opening night, appeared relaxed as he performed allowing his experience to show. Nora Canaday, who played Dr. John Watson, appeared equally comfortable while performing even though Canaday is currently in eighth grade. At times when there was a change of scene Canaday would narrate the transitions effortlessly from scene to scene.

In the role of Dr. Moriarty, English teacher Keith Caldwell accosted BHS alum Sean Potter who portrayed John Clay, a local criminal with an impressively lengthy criminal record. The confrontation quickly turned into a physical scene, with Caldwell being the victor  “[It is] always fun to do physical acting, and Sean Potter acted perfectly,” Caldwell said.

The overall plot was such that it blended various plots, into a cohesively  understandable play. Over all my favourite aspect of this was the method used to decipher many childish appearing coded messages.

Towards the end of the two-hour play, a brief scuffle ensued between Holmes and Moriarty. And an alternate ending to the original storyline began. This novel ending left Caldwell embodying three characters. Holmes dyeing then later being brought back to life in the same scene.

As a fan of Sir Conan Doyle I have bought both volumes of his novels pertaining to Sherlock Holmes, all of which were read within the time frame of one summer vacation.  They play did an accurate job depicting what I envisioned in my own imagination. The costumes and the set both accompanied by enthusiastic actors helped to immerse the audience into the play. I felt my favorite detective transform from ink on a page to physical movement and vocal articulation.

While having a deep appreciation for the short stories I can, in earnest, say that BHSDC Director Mr. Jeffrey Billard did justice to the Legendary name of Sherlock Holmes. Even Though I must say I didn’t know how to feel about the twist ending. Billard went on to explain that the ending showed the struggle of Sir Conan Doyle to either stop writing the Sherlock Holmes stories or simply continue, which ultimately he did.  He wrote a total of 56 Sherlock Holmes stories.  .

In the spirit of Sherlock Holmes, Seaver said, “If you want a show with action, suspense and drama, you should come to see the show.”