THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 2, 1996 TAG: 9605010105
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines
When the Smithfield Little Theatre stages ``Sherlock's Last Case,'' you'll see a performer who, momentarily at least, can make you forget about Basil.
Basil who? Many actors have portrayed Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's fictional detective, but Basil Rathbone is regarded by many as the ultimate Sherlock Holmes.
The Cotton Gin's David Riggins has the look, wardrobe, makeup and attitude that Doyle would have enjoyed. To further enhance the Holmes mood, Smithfield Little Theatre has built a revolving stage - the detective's basement on one side, his study on the other.
It deliberately has the look of the Rathbone films.
``Doyle's concept of Holmes changed over the years,'' said Director Hurston Griffith. ``Our play is based on the concept of the old movie characters.''
Griffith said the play is ``very demanding, time-consuming, frustrating. I've never done a play as difficult as this.''
David Riggins, the veteran performer who portrays the detective, agreed, calling the play ``the hardest project I've ever worked on.''
The play is a suspense thriller with a lot of drama. Griffith, a veteran actor and first-time director, said the play ``will keep you guessing. There are surprises right up to the end.''
Riggins recently ended a run in ``Post Mortem'' in Williamsburg, portraying William Gillette. Gillette co-authored some Holmes plays and portrayed the detective - 1,300 performances on Broadway.
Now, Riggins is portraying the man Gillette wrote about and portrayed.
``Sherlock's Last Case,'' Riggins said, is ``an advanced theater project.''
The project concentrates on the relationship between the detective and his sidekick, Dr. Watson who - according to this production - was not happy with his status as servant.
``Our play is controversial and could put a bad taste in people's mouths,'' Riggins said. ``It will lead you to believe things are not as great between Holmes and Watson as they should be.''
In the movies, Watson bumbled and harrumphed a lot. At Smithfield Little Theatre, he is more sophisticated.
``I start with the traditional Watson,'' said Jerry Matthews, ``then I take out my revenge for playing second fiddle.''
Holmes plays the fiddle. Riggins, Stradivarius replica in hand, will pretend to do the same.
Watson usually listened in awe. No longer.
``Also,'' Matthews said, ``I'm a bit tired of hearing Holmes say - ``Come now, Watson, you should know that.''
You should know that the accent is Holmes-appropriate. There is action, as well as plenty of dialogue.
``This show is written for the ear,'' Riggins said, ``the beauty of the language.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by FRANK ROBERTS
David Riggins portrays Sherlock Holmes and Jerry Matthews plays Dr.
Watson.
AT A GLANCE
What: ``Sherlock's Last Case''
When: 8 p.m. May 2-5, 9-11, 16-18; and 2:30 p.m. May 12
Where: Cotton Gin Theatre, Commerce Street
Tickets: $8
Call: 357-7338
by CNB