It’s “the moor the merrier” as Holmes meets hilarity in 'The Hound of the Baskervilles'
Opening this week
On stage April 25–May 27, 2018
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS—April 23, 2018—This week, a lighting-quick comedy takes the stage at TheatreSquared in the “gut-bustingly hilarious” (The Times) The Hound of the Baskervilles, a new adaptation that simultaneously spoofs and reveres Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's most celebrated mystery. In this highly theatrical adaptation by Steven Canny and John Nicholson, Sherlock Holmes and Watson set off to the moors to debunk a family "curse,” and encounter dozens of suspicious characters who may be too much for Sherlock—or, for that matter, a cast of three—to handle. TheatreSquared’s production is produced in partnership with Virginia Stage Company and directed by Mark Shanahan (Peter and the Starcatcher). Performances are April 25-May 27 at Walton Arts Center’s Nadine Baum Studios in Fayetteville. Tickets are on sale now from $17-$48 at (479) 443-5600 or theatre2.org.
“Peter O’Toole once said, ‘Dying is easy, comedy is hard’. In Baskervilles, the actors do both brilliantly—seven times a week,” said T2 Artistic Director Bob Ford. “What better way to end the season than with a belly laugh? Or a hundred.”
“I'm happy to report that excitement for this show has been so far beyond elementary,” said T2 Executive Director Martin Miller, “that, even before it opens, we've already extended it a week.” Performances will now continue beyond the scheduled closing date of May 20 through Sunday, May 27.
The Hound of the Baskervilles is recommended for ages 8 and older, with parental guidance for occasional language.
The play has been met with acclaim in London and New York:
“Hysterical, my dear Watson.” – The Telegraph
“Sweetly silly.” – The New York Times
“A reminder that the same country that gave us William Shakespeare also gave us Benny Hill.” – The Virginian-Pilot
Director Mark Shanahan returns to TheatreSquared, having helmed Peter and the Starcatcher, Around The World In 80 Days, and the workshop of The Quest For Don Quixote. His directorial work has been seen on numerous stages across the country, including the Alley Theatre, George Street Playhouse, Fulton Opera House, Arkansas Rep, Merrimack Rep, Penguin Rep, Florida Studio Theatre, Cape Playhouse, Weston Playhouse, Hangar Theatre, Florida Rep, Westport Country Playhouse and others. His New York acting credits include the Broadway hit The 39 Steps (American Airlines, Cort Theatre); Small World (59E59); The Shaughraun and Tryst (Irish Rep); Checkers (The VineyardTheatre); As Bees In Honey Drown (Lucille Lortel Theatre); Philadelphia, Here I Come! (Roundabout); and many more.
The cast of The Hound of the Baskervilles reunites three TheatreSquared veteran performers: Patrick Halley (Peter and the Starcatcher); Steven Pacek (Peter and the Starcatcher); and Bruce Warren (The Ding Dong, Peter and the Starcatcher, Around the World In 80 Days).
The creative team for The Hound of the Baskervilles includes scenic designer Charlie Corcoran, lighting designer John Ambrosone, costume designer Jeni Schaefer, sound designer Sean Hagerty, Assistant Director/Choreographer Stephanie Card, and production stage manager Shannon Jones.
TheatreSquared’s production is made possible in part with support from lead show sponsors Greenwood Gearhart Inc. and Nick & Carolyn Cole, along with show sponsors Leigh Hopkins, Ben & Christine Clark, and Roger Collins.
Performance Schedule
Performances are scheduled April 25-May 27, Tuesdays through Sundays, at Walton Arts Center’s Nadine Baum Studios.
Tuesday–Friday: 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: 2:00 p.m.; 7:30 p.m.
Sunday: 2:00 p.m.
Ticket Info
Tickets range from $17-$48 and are available at (479) 443-5600 or online at theatre2.org.
Through T2’s Lights Up! For Access program, supported by the Walmart Foundation, SNAP benefit recipients can purchase $5 tickets and patrons under the age of 30 can purchase $10 tickets. For more information, visit theatre2.org/lights-up.
Opportunities to Engage
The three-person cast of The Hound of the Baskervilles will host a free public workshop at the Fayetteville Public Library on May 10th from 2-5pm to explore how scenes in the play are brought to physical, emotional and especially comic life. Participants should expect to engage in physical comedy exercises. Register in advance at faylib.org; participation is limited to allow for an immersive course.
About T2
TheatreSquared is Northwest Arkansas’ professional regional theatre, offering an intimate live theatre experience for more than 45,000 patrons each year in its 175-seat space and in schools throughout the state. TheatreSquared was recognized by the American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony Awards, as one of the nation’s 10 most promising emerging theatres. TheatreSquared has experienced remarkable growth in recent seasons, expanding its audience tenfold during the past five years. The theatre recently broke ground on a new 50,000-square-foot facility to be completed in mid-2019, and launched the $34 million Our Next Stage Campaign to support construction and a sustainable transition. Designs and campaign information are online at ournextstage.org.
###
Major funding for the TheatreSquared Season 12 is provided by The Walton Family Foundation, Inc.; the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Arts; the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation; the Walmart Foundation; the Windgate Charitable Foundation; and by the Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Major marketing support for TheatreSquared Season 12 is provided by Experience Fayetteville, the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Flyer, Cox Communications, KNWA, CitiScapes, KUAF, and MailCo USA.