By Eva Trieger
What do you get when you combine the brilliance of actor/director/lyricist/playwright, Omri Schein with the actor/artistic director/heart of North Coast Repertory Theatre, David Ellenstein, with the “incredibly talented and joyously spirited cast” of The Remarkable Mister Holmes? A witty, delightful musical that is most assuredly Broadway-bound following this world premiere.
Four years in the making, this production is the beloved collaborative brainchild of Ellenstein and Schein. With Schein’s clever lyrics (and a bissel Yiddish), composer Daniel Lincoln developed songs that elevated the performance to untold heights.
This musical murder mystery showcased so many fine actors, many of whom have graced North Coast Rep’s stage in so many other wonderful productions. Andrew Abelson (Rabbi Plotkin) has appeared on this stage as well as acted in several popular television series. The complete erasure of his native British accent when in character as Reverend Buck was a feat! Phil Johnson is always too much fun to watch and this show is no exception. Whether he is selling fresh sheep trotters and eels, the language-impaired Gustav Von Schwanz from Kwanz, or a bald guy from Wisconsin, he’s wonderful.
Katie Karel, another supremely versatile actor was charming in her many roles and perfectly cast as the shrewish, conniving Gerda Von Schwanz. David McBean, whom I first saw in North Coast Rep’s Pageant, was delightful in his many roles, particularly as Artemis of the Hotel Magnificent. Tony Perry (Inspector Lestrade) is new to this reviewer, but I hope he returns to North Coast Rep as his performance was excellent, matched by his voice.
Sharon Rietkerk (Sheila Watson) was a standout. and a worthy foil to Sherlock Holmes. She also had one of the funniest lines of the play, but I’ll let you unearth it on your own. Rietkerk has performed at North Coast Rep in a number of shows, and has performed in the Chamber Music and SoundBox series with the San Francisco Symphony. Bart Shatto (Sherlock Holmes) was loveably supercilious as the observant yet emotionally unavailable sleuth. In this debut performance at North Coast, Shatto has most certainly found a new home here in addition to his others on Broadway and television.
Another iconic San Diegan, Deborah Gilmour Smyth, was charming as the Holmes’ chatty housekeeper, Mrs. Hudson. Her solo musical number provoked a great response from theatergoers, as she lusted after her disinterested boss. Katy Tang rounded out this mega-talented cast as Phyllis, the orphaned hotel chambermaid. With a cockney accent, comical lyrics, and a “Bloody ‘ell!” or three, the actor charmed the audience.
Musical accompaniment was provided by Amy Kalal, Jennifer Williams, and Tom Versen, miraculously obscured behind the stage left curtain. The creative team, once again, conjured an ingenious set and lovely rich Victorian costumes. Hats off to Marty Burnett, Matthew Novotny, Eliza Benzoni, and Aaron Rumley.
North Coast Rep has gifted us with this spectacular summer sensation. Don’t allow yourself to be clueless a moment longer. Come see if you can sniff out the supervillain in this whimsical whodunit. You’re welcome!
The Remarkable Mister Holmes runs through August 28, 2022. Tickets may be purchased at https://northcoastrep.org/production/the-remarkable-mr-holmes/ or by phone at 858-481-1055.
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Eva Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in the arts. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com