From writing a fair amount of articles on plays and musicals, I started to notice the same underlying theme throughout all of the performances: romance. It’s not that I do not like a good love story, but I was ready for some adventure. That was why I was pleased to be thrown into what I thought was a world of mystery at the Arizona Theatre Company’s “”Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure.””
Even though Sherlock had a love interest himself, I hoped that at least the mushy stuff would be toned down amidst the classic detective scenarios that Sherlock and his sidekick, Dr. John Watson, encounter.
The adventures for Sherlock really begin when he meets the well-known opera diva Irene Adler, played by Libby West.
After being left by her love, the King of Bohemia, Adler, looking to win him back, asks Sherlock to take her case.
“”We’re hoping the audience just feels that they’re perfect for each other,”” West said. “”You get to see a dance between the two sexes played out.””
It is easy to get wrapped up in the story with such talented actors filling the roles. The resume of the star of the show, Mark Capri, who plays Sherlock Holmes, is impressive in its own right.
Starting his theatrical training, both undergraduate and graduate, at Stanford University, Capri then continued perfecting his craft at a conservatory in London. Capri has appeared in “”Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back”” and “”Titanic”” and has made countless guest appearances on television shows. The bulk of his experience, however, has been onstage, where Capri said he has been in hundreds of plays in Europe, North America and Asia.
To prepare for the role, Capri said he read a lot of the Sherlock Holmes literature by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Along with doing some of his own detective work to research his character, he already had a little work under his belt in the mystery business. Capri was in a production about a year ago titled “”Sleuth,”” in which he had a similar role. Capri does not feel, however, that he has any innate characteristics that lead him to these detective roles.
“”At least not that I know of,”” Capri says with a chuckle. “”He’s a classic character and I’m classically trained.””
West, who received her MFA at New York University, has spent most of her time on stage since she graduated.
“”I’ve been really lucky having gone to work right away. I’ve worked in both New York and Los Angeles from very contemporary pieces to very classical,”” West said. “”I’ve been very lucky in that aspect.””
Those who are familiar with the mystery sagas of Sherlock are also most likely familiar with Irene Adler, who has appeared in one of the Sherlock Holmes novels. However, the director of the production, Steven Dietz, whom West describes as “”one of the most prolific American directors,”” has gone into the character of Irene in much more depth.
“”From my character’s point of view, it’s a really great love story,”” West said.
In preparation of her character, West read up on Victorian England, specifically the roles of women. The profession of her character, however, is what really inspired her.
“”My character opened up a whole world of opera to me,”” West said. “”For about a month I just listened to opera and read about it. That was really great.””
On top of it all, this will be the first performance of this production
“”This is a world premiere,”” West said. “”I think that’s thrilling because honestly nobody has ever seen it before.””
“”Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure”” will run March 4 to 25 at the Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave. Ticket prices range from $26 to $44 and can be purchased by calling the Arizona Theatre Company at 622-2823. Discounts are available for students, seniors and active military.
