WATERVILLE, ME—The Waterville Opera House (WOH) continues its 2024 theatrical season August 30–September 8 with the Sherlock Holmes murder mystery Miss Holmes Returns.
In Miss Holmes Returns, a nurse and activist finds herself on the run, wanted for murder. Pursued by authorities who choose to ignore a clear case of self-defense due to her heritage and influence from sinister figures from the shadowy criminal underworld, she turns to Miss Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Dorothy Watson for help.
Miss Holmes Returns is theatrical “fan fiction” that explores feminist themes using the characters, settings, and tropes created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to explore the added challenges and risks these iconic characters would face if they were women, while also examining the intersections of sexism, classism, and racism.
“Our patrons have demonstrated time and again that they love a great murder mystery, and this production is exactly that,” said Michelle Sweet, executive director of the Opera House. “We will once again encourage the audience members to join the on-stage characters in trying their hand at solving the mystery by casting their vote for the guilty party at intermission for a chance to win tickets to our next theatrical production. Come join the fun!”
The new play is a follow-up to Christopher M. Walsh’s 2017 play Miss Holmes. The titular heroine not only returns to the criminal underbelly of Victorian London in this new mystery, but also returns to the WOH stage. In January 2020, the Opera House presented Miss Holmes as what turned out to be the final theatrical production before the COVID-19 pandemic enforced a lockdown. Though a sequel, Miss Holmes Returns is a standalone story, so those who missed its predecessor four years ago will be able to jump right into the mystery with Holmes and Watson.
Phoebe Sanborn, who starred as Sherlock Holmes in 2020’s production of Miss Holmes, reprises her detective this month. “I feel so lucky to reprise my role as Sherlock Holmes,” Sanborn said. “I am a big fan of Holmes, period pieces, and mysteries, so the opportunity to be in something that combines all three is phenomenal. One of the most fun parts of a murder mystery for me is trying to solve it before the end of the show. I’m interested to see if audiences can beat Holmes to the punch on this one.”
“I’m thrilled that the actor who played Miss Holmes in our original production in 2020 was cast to bring this character to life once again,” Sweet added. “The entire cast is amazing and Ms. Sanborn is truly the embodiment of Sherlock Holmes.”
Miss Holmes Returns opens Friday, August 30, at 7:30pm. Evening performances follow August 31, September 6, and September 7 at 7:30pm, with 2pm matinées September 1 and 8. The Waterville Opera House is proud to offer an ASL interpreted performance on Sunday, September 1, at 2pm.
This production is sponsored by Amici’s Cucina, Back Office Solutions, Gateway Financial, MaineGeneral Medical Center, and Maine Savings FCU.
Written by Christopher M. Walsh
Based on characters by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Directed by Debra Susi
Assistant Director + Fight Choreography by John Logan
Produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company, Inc. of Woodstock, Illinois
Tickets are available now. Go to operahouse.org, call 207.873.7000, or visit the Ed Harris Box Office in the Paul J. Schupf Art Center, 93 Main Street, Waterville, to make reservations.
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About the Waterville Opera House
Waterville Opera House (WOH) has been bringing the magic of the performing arts to audiences of all ages since 1902. This beautifully restored, 810-seat theatre hosts high-quality community theatre, dance, concerts, and educational programming. As part of the artistic community working to make Waterville a key arts destination, WOH encourages an appreciation for the performing arts and its creative expression by consistently producing exceptional performances for residents and visitors. We firmly believe that art and culture have the power to enrich lives, strengthen community bonds, and serve as an economic engine. For more information, visit operahouse.org.