Ken Ludwig has taken a classic Arthur Conan Doyle mystery “Hounds of the Baskerville” and brought it into a new genre of entertainment that makes an intense story into an interesting evening of mystery, suspense, intrigue and hilarity. Anyone familiar with the story will find much artistic liberty taken, by actual script direction, that the five actors must weave through in this classic tale while presenting it with an almost “Keystone Cops” type of action. They do a masterful job with all the falls, gaffs, apparent miscues, etc., which will keep the audience laughing from start to finish. With the quick costume changes needed for all the different characters portrayed by the five principles, the back stage crew need a grand applause.
The stage is divided into three areas for all the action. Right side is Sherlock’s office and home. Left is an office and meeting place. Center stage is reserved for all the main action with rotating panels in the back to change the scenes. Melon Patch has long been a standard for community theater and they continue with that same commitment.
“Baskerville” will run through Feb 9. Ticket information can be found online at melonpatchplayers.org or call (352)-787-3013.
Villager Don Simson reviews local theater for Villages-News.com.
