THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 9, 1996 TAG: 9605080129
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 17 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD LENGTH: Short : 47 lines
``SHERLOCK'S Last Case'' is first-class entertainment, 2 1/2-hours of suspense and drama.
September 1897 is the time of the nothing-is-as-it-seems escapade, offered by the Smithfield Little Theatre. It's when Dr. Watson decides he no longer wants to be a bumbling sidekick in awe of his boss's power of deduction.
The good doctor opts for the most desperate of measures. Therein lies the fun of ``Sherlock's Last Case.''
Stage veteran Dave Riggins convincingly portrays the unflappable, stern-looking detective as a cynical philosopher.
The look also is totally convincing - the cape and cap, the pipe - his hair greased back.
Sylvia Griffith portrays the housekeeper, Mrs. Hudson - a pure delight as she bumbles her way through life.
Jerry Matthews, in the role of Watson, starts out as the master bumbler but switches to devious during his outstanding portrayal.
There is also scene-stealing Lucy May as Liza, a fascinating lady who claims to be the daughter of Holmes' number one nemesis, Professor Moriarty. Watch her expressions as she tries to con Sherlock.
Praise, also, for Tim Jones as Holmes's detective friend, Inspector Lestrade.
The other two performers listed in the program, Dirk Edgar and Dick Atkins, also deserve praise, but they have already received it. This is a mystery, after all.
Hurston Griffith, the director, keeps everything moving swiftly and excitingly, alternating between Holmes's flat and an old, secret-filled cellar that includes a fascinating barber chair.
The special effects work well, the costuming is perfect and Smithfield Little Theatre's revolving set is quite impressive. It includes a Victorian-era squeaky floor.
``Sherlock's Last Case'' lasts for two more weekends. If you like mystery and suspense, with class, you'll get it at the Smithfield Little Theatre. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by FRANK ROBERTS
Stage veteran Dave Riggins stars in ``Sherlock's Last Case.''
by CNB