The world’s most famous fictional fact finder is returning to the stage at the Morris Morgan Theatre on the campus of St. Andrews University later this month.
Presented by ENCORE! Theatre, Inc. and the St. Andrews University Theatre program, “Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lilly” is being billed by organizers as a mystery thriller with the intrigue and suspense that typified Sir. Arthur Conan Doyle’s popular literary work.
“It is refreshing to see the efforts of the two groups, ENCORE! Theatre and the SAU Theatre Program, uniting for a creative and professional presentation of a great story,” said the production’s artistic director Chris Wood.
The show will feature a cast comprised entirely of locals and St. Andrews students.
With a four-show run scheduled, the program is slated to feature an innovative set-design with two “Chinese walls” engineered to pivot, creating four different scenes.
Set designer Rick Clancey described the walls as a challenging feat of construction, but one that would ultimately be worth the hard work.
“When I was told about the type of set the director had in mind, I was excited. I knew it was going to be a challenge, but it has been so worth it. People are going to love it,” Clancey said.
“We have developed some creative, artistic twists in the production by designing a unique bi-fold designed set, and expanding the fight choreography, to name just a few. The cast and crew have received my ideas with enthusiasm and have all been great to work with,” added Wood.
The play synopsis describes a show where the wit of Oscar Wilde meets the cunning of Sherlock Holmes.
Asked by Wilde to help a friend avoid blackmail, the tale leads Holmes and his legendary sidekick Dr. Watson on a wild mission to help the English Royal Family avoid ultimate embarrassment.
“I am just blessed to play this character. He is one of my favorite characters of all time and to play him has just been great,” said Isaac White, the man responsible for bringing Holmes to life for Laurinburg.
Caleb Wood, who plays the manipulative Professor Moriarty, said that “playing the bad guy has been a blast” and also praised the partnership between ENCORE! and St. Andrews. “It’s great for St. Andrews and ENCORE! to be working together again.”
“Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lilly” will be presented nightly at 7 p.m. from April 18-20 at the Morris Morgan Theatre on the campus of St. Andrews University. There will also be a special Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. on April 20.
Tickets will be sold at the door at a cost of $8 for students, seniors and children and $10 for adults.















