With the recent re-interpretation of Sherlock Holmes through the movies starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law, many have lost sight of the original vision of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s literary masterpiece.
Thank God for John Mawson and Mario Vernazza! Their show returns the story to the proper vision and setting – Victorian England.
Their accents and costumes are impeccable. Their chemistry is obvious. The story is shocking and thought-provoking.
Although slow at times, the story covers almost the entire lives of the original Dynamic Duo. Beginning from their first encounter, they story dwells more on their intimate friendship than on any one particular case. This broad retrospective was fresh and tastefully done.
I was also impressed with the improv skills of Vernazza. As several patrons came in late, and without breaking character, Vernazza began describing each of them as if he was seeing them through the window on the street. It was a delightful detour from the story, and showed his skills as an actor.
While I don’t want to ruin the ending, suffice it to say that you will never look at the rivalry between Holmes and Moriarity in quite the same way.
This is a definite must see – come escape to England and be delighted by one of the most inventive and fascinating characters in literature.