Markham Little Theatre starts its 60th season with mystery, suspense, and laughter
Markham Little Theatre returns for a very special season of theatre with Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery by Ken Ludwig for nine performances between September 10th and 20th at their “Backstage” theatre on the Markham Museum grounds.
“It is the first show of our 60th season,” says MLT’s president Judy Atherton. “We’re so excited.”
For nearly six decades now, MLT has been the cornerstone of Markham’s arts community. From performing in high school gymnasiums to being an instrumental community connection in the campaign for and the opening of The Flato Markham Theatre, it’s hard to overstate the importance of this “little” company. Recently, they’ve started running their own venue, converted from their rehearsal hall, on the grounds of The Markham Museum and even this has become an annual tradition that opens each season.
Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery is an apt choice to start the company’s 60th season as it is a pretty much perfect show for the company. Decades of success with mystery stories and farce comedy are MLT’s backbone, so a farcical satire of one of our greatest mystery stories seems nearly perfect for the group.
“It’s clever, fast-paced, and completely ridiculous in the best possible way,” says Director Shelagh Carlini. “You get a classic Sherlock Holmes mystery with the added twist of high-energy farce and lightning-fast character switches.”
Ludwig takes the classic Sherlock Holmes tale and manages to make it laugh-out-loud funny by attempting to add farce and satire to the piece without dulling the mystery or suspense. This split focus presents quite a challenge.
“It’s a balancing act, absolutely,” says Carlini. “We treat the original Hound of the Baskervilles with genuine affection — we’re not mocking it, we’re celebrating it by holding a funhouse mirror up to its gothic drama.”
Among other things, the celebration includes a cast with quite split responsibilities. There’s Steve Birtles and John Fetherston, playing Holmes and Watson respectively, driving the narrative while Catherine Hughes, Andrew Pawarroo, and Ted Powers split the other 38 roles to fill out the story’s atmosphere and much of its comedy too.
‘Their range, timing, and commitment are absolutely dazzling,” continues Carlini. “They’re like theatrical ninjas — disappearing and reappearing as completely new, distinct, and believable characters every few minutes.’
“The cast is super talented, veteran performers,” says Dave Kouhi, the show’s stage manager. “Rehearsals are going great.”
“Honestly, I’m over the moon with this cast,” says Carlini.
On top of a great cast, in an intimate venue like MLT’s Backstage, the production becomes an essential part of the work as well. Carini explains.
“We’re transforming the room into a moody, misty version of the moors, with just enough theatrical flair. The set is flexible and full of surprises; the lighting does a lot of the heavy lifting to create atmosphere and misdirection, and our sound design is practically a character of its own.”
MLT has become quite deservedly proud of the high-quality work its crew and designers do. Nevertheless, Baskerville presents a good challenge for all departments. With 40 characters to dress, however, costumes might have the biggest hill to climb.
“They’re a massive part of the fun,” says Carlini. “Think lightning-quick transformations with wigs, coats, and props flying.”
As the show is part of a very important milestone season, the company has some special plans for its audience too.
“We will be having a wine reception with a meet and greet with the cast on Opening Night (Wednesday, Sept 10th) to kick off the season,” says Atherton.
Certainly, at 59 seasons strong, MLT is showing no signs of slowing down.
“It’s proof of what happens when a group of people come together to make something a little bonkers, a little brilliant, and full of heart,” says Carlini. “It’s also a great reminder that laughter is powerful — especially when shared. And yes, there will be fog. A lot of fog.”
Markham Little Theatre’s production of Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery runs September 10-13 and September 17-20 at Markham Little Theatre’s Backstage Theatre on the grounds of the Markham Museum. All shows at 8 p.m., with an additional 2 p.m. matinée on September 20.
Visit markhamtheatre.ca to purchase tickets.
Photo: The cast of Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery.