Dallas Review: Rover Dramawerks Presents “Sherlock Holmes and the Portal of Time”
Shawn Stalter, Chief Dallas/Ft. Worth Critic
PLANO, Texas -- Rover Dramawerks’ 20th Anniversary season kicked off with an action-packed romp through time and space in “Sherlock Holmes and the Portal of Time.” Chock full of wormholes, time travel, and spies, (oh my!) it is a fun, high-tempo show, sure to quicken the pulse of both sci-fi fanatics and mystery lovers alike.
Written by Michael Druce, “Sherlock Holmes and the Portal of Time” follows the renowned sleuth and his amiable sidekick, Dr. Watson, as they attempt to unravel a mystery with earth-shattering implications for the future of humanity. Together, alongside “H.G. Wells” and “Albert Einstein,” they work to outwit the villainous “Professor Moriarty” and his network of vile ruffians while drifting through the ever-changing currents of time.
Under the direction of Shauna Holloway, the cast and crew of Rover Dramawerks’ “Sherlock Holmes and the Portal of Time” deliver a robust and multi-dimensional show. From start to finish, this suspenseful production skillfully navigates an array of twisting and turning timelines sure to make even seasoned mystery enthusiasts scratch their heads in wonder.
Jerrin Prince’s performance struck the optimal tone of intellectual egotism, bluster and deductive genius to define his role as the venerable, “Sherlock Holmes.” Together with Robert Dullnig’s, “Dr. Watson,” by his side, the two worked through a trail of clues and intrigue dragging them across England, Scotland and even to WWII-era Germany. At each step, they work hard to stay ahead of a sinister network of spies and even battle for their lives in an adrenaline-fueled and dynamic fight scene crafted by the production’s fight choreographer, Juliana Stalter.
As H.G. Wells’ wife, “Jane Wells,” Samantha Potrykus helped build some of the show’s plentiful laugh-out-loud moments through her finely-attuned timing and body language. More moments of stark comedic relief arrive well-packaged by Tamás Rieser’s young and middle-aged versions of “Albert Einstein.” Additionally, Jon-Paul McGowan helps create some on-stage depth with the dark and brooding “Professor Moriarty” who is repeatedly plagued by the hilarious blunders of his spies and his henchwoman, “Vera Erickson,” performed by Emily Baudot.
Beyond praiseworthy performances from across the entire diverse cast, the show’s production crew advances the story in a series of crisp, well-executed transitions. The overall effect contributes to the mounting tension and sets the stage for the show’s final crescendo. Fans of classic Sherlock mysteries and science fiction enthusiasts will find ample entertainment in this fun and lively production suitable for all ages.
SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE PORTAL OF TIME
Rover Dramawerks’ production of “Sherlock Holmes and the Portal of Time” is directed by Shauna Holloway and runs through February 1, 2020, at Rover’s Theatre in Plano, Texas. The show’s talented cast includes Jerrin Prince as “Sherlock Holmes,” Robert Dullnig as “Dr. Watson,” Heather Roberts in the role of “Mrs. Hudson,” Steven Pedro as “H.G. Wells,” Samantha Potrykus as “Jane Wells,” Tamás Rieser as “Albert Einstein,” Jon-Paul McGowan in the role of “Professor Moriarty,” Emily Baudot as “Vera Erickson,” and includes Carlos Brumfield, Juliana Stalter and Chuck Barlow as “Clowns 1,2 and 3.” The show also features expert stage management from Kelton Neals, set design from Martin Sinise, lighting from Natalia Borja, costuming courtesy of Samantha Pettigrew, props by Hanna Alford and sound from Robbi Holman.
Reserve your seat for an upcoming performance of “Sherlock Holmes and the Portal of Time” by visiting: https://roverdramawerks.thundertix.com/events/157831/performances
Photo credit: Carol M. Rice