Case Closed at Chautauqua Playhouse

Blackmail, missing jewels and expert detective work took center stage during a recent performance of “Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily” at .

Set in 1893 London, the play follows detective Sherlock Holmes as he investigates the case of popular actress Lillie Langtry’s missing love letters. Holmes is joined in his investigation by his sidekick Dr. Watson and Langtry’s dear friend, Oscar Wilde. As the play progresses Holmes uses his finely tuned observation skills to determine that everything is not as it seems.

The plot includes all of the twists and turns to be expected of a Sherlock Holmes novel, with a little romance thrown in for due measure.

The period play includes all of the Victorian era costumes, claw foot furniture and damask wallpaper to be expected.

Sherlock Holmes was played by Walter Thompson, and Lillie Langtry by Julie Bock. It was not the first time the two leads played opposite each other. Bock and Thompson previously performed together at Chautauqua Playhouse in “The Vampyre”, “Noises Off” and “Enchanted April”.

The play included a standout performance by Shawn O’Neal as Oscar Wilde. O’Neal’s portrayal of the prissy Irish playwright frequently drew laughter from the audience.

The production also includes an excellent performance by Chautauqua Playhouse veteran Rodger Hoopman as the villainous Professor Moriarty. Hoopman is no stranger to playing tyrannical characters. In December, he will appear for the 32nd consecutive year as Ebenezer Scrooge in the musical “Scrooge”, for which he adapted the script and wrote the lyrics.

Though not written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, “Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily” does not stray far from the character of the original series of novels and short stories. Playwright Katie Forgette remains loyal to Doyle’s characters and setting while adding her own color, such as Oscar Wilde’s character and jokes aimed at the format of the detective novel itself.

Forgette paints the cunning Sherlock Holmes as a habitual cigar smoker who is lacking in personal hygiene habits. While Holmes is always a step ahead of the villain, his dear friend Dr. Watson continues to make blunders due to his lack of observation.

The play will continue its run through April 17. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. After its run at Chautauqua Playhouse, the play will show at the Historic Nevada Theatre in Nevada City April 22 through May 15.