By Eva Trieger
SOLANA BEACH, California- Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Great Nome Gold Rush opened to a full and enthusiastic house on Saturday night. Part of the reason for the fervent response was a group of very fine actors. Jason Maddy, Nicholas Mongiardo-Cooper, Richard Baird, Jacquelyn Ritz, Julian Diaz, Louis Lotorto, Katie Karel, John Tessmer and Andrew Barnicle are all very accomplished and well -loved actors on this intimate stage and many others.
Another reason for the excitement was the playwright. Joseph Vass is a true Renaissance man, and last graced North Coast Rep with Words By Ira Gershwin. Just as for that show, and several others, Vass wrote the book, music and lyrics for the current production.
Via the telephone, I was able to interview Vass about his most recent show and his past works, as well as the many other fingers he has in the proverbial pie. In addition to playwriting, Vass is a musician. He formed a band about 20 years ago, and Klezmerica plays contemporary Jewish music all over America and in Israel. They were featured in the Tsfat Klezmer Festival, truly a feather in Vass’ cap.
As so many of Vass’ shows have Jewish themes or celebrate Jewish personalities, I asked if this show was a departure from his norm. Vass explained that Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Great Nome Gold Rush is really about truth seeking, which is directly linked to the Talmud and specifically to Pirkei Avot. This notion that the world endures on truth, justice and peace drives the point of view of our writer, and, as he explained, each of his characters.
Vass shared that his parents came from Europe, escaping Nazism, and that music and literature were always a part of his culture. He grew up with music and books. Vass’ mom played piano, while his father played violin. Music was a constant in his household and he learned to play piano and compose at a young age.
This particular show contains a goodly number of puns and comic one liners, but Vass emphasized that “what is Jewish is not just shtick.” This show has a Jewish sensibility as it is “fun, exciting, adventurous, and mysterious. The writing comes from a Jewish point of view.” At one point Dr. Watson is asked, “Are you developing a sense of humor?” and he replies, “What choice do I have?” A decidedly Jewish response.
Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Great Nome Gold Rush runs until February 14, 2016. Tickets are available at 858.481.1055 or www.northcoastrep.org.
*
Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com. Comments intended for publication in the space below must be accompanied by the letter writer’s first and last name and by his/ her city and state of residence (city and country for those outside the U.S.)