By Mary Ann Bourbeau
HOLMDEL – A classic whodunnit is coming to The Holmdel Theatre Company – but with a twist: The characters of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, created in the 19th century, are depicted as modern-day women – and it’s a comedy. “Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson, Apt. 2B” bills itself as “cheerfully desecrating the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.” The show runs Nov. 8 to 23.
This production, a “fast-paced, irreverent farce,” imagines Sherlock Holmes and Joan Watson as odd couple-style roommates solving crimes in a chaotic, post-COVID pandemic London. Expect supervillains and plot twists – and laughs – in this take on two beloved characters. The show was written by Kate Hamill, who also reimagined “The Scarlet Letter” last year at Two River Theater in Red Bank. It is directed by Tina Barone.
“Comedy is my favorite thing to direct,” said Barone. “I love the rhythm and the pacing. It’s high energy and fast paced with some clever set changes. In times like this, comedy is our life- blood. We all need a laugh right now.”
Barone said she saw the show performed at the Cape May Playhouse and immediately fell in love with it.
“I’m a big fan of mystery in general,” she said. “I read a lot of mystery novels, and I love that this is done with two women. It’s a modern take on a classic tale.”
In the show, Inspector Lestrade comes to Holmes after finding a man murdered at a hotel. Holmes has been in a rut because she hasn’t had any mysteries to solve for a while. The care- free and eccentric sleuth has been rooming with a depressed American divorcee named Joan Watson. Although they come from different worlds, the two women work together to solve a tangle of mysteries.
“Holmes brings Watson back to life,” said Barone. “They find something in each other that the other needs. It’s a funny show, but there are some heartfelt moments.”
The story even hints at a flirtation between Holmes and another character created by Doyle, Irene Adler.
“Irene has always intrigued Sherlock Holmes,” said Barone. “She’s very taken by her because they have the same intellectual prowess.”
The cast includes Jessica Randell of Keyport (Sherlock Holmes); Amy Chrzanowski of Aberdeen (Joan Watson); Jesse Luciani of Red Bank (Inspector Lestrade and others); Quinn Hope Michaels of New Brunswick (Irene Adler) and Jennifer Lauren Wilson of Hainesport (Mrs. Hudson and others). The artistic director is Laurie Devino.
“The cast is wonderful,” said Barone. “They have such a willingness to play and try new things.”
Originally from New York, Barone moved to Matawan three years ago. She teaches theater full-time and wanted to get involved in the local theater scene. She came to see Broadway actor Matt Doyle at the Holmdel venue last year and was immediately taken with the setting of the Duncan Smith Theater on Crawfords Corner Road. Last December, Barone directed her first show for Holmdel Theatre Company, “A Christmas Carol” radio play.
“I love the space,” she said. “It can be set up in so many different ways.”
The Holmdel Theatre Company is a nonprofit, semi-professional company that produces classic and contemporary plays pairing professional artists with students and community members. The Duncan Smith Theater is a small black-box venue inside a 125-year-old barn in front of Holmdel High School. The barn was renovated into a modern, fully air-conditioned performance space with about 99 seats, preserving the building’s rustic character while enabling flexible staging.
The theater’s name honors Duncan Smith, a Holmdel High School alumnus with a deep love for theater. After Duncan died, his father, Wendell A. Smith, an influential local attorney, helped found the company so young people would have a place to create shows in the summer. The venue was named the Duncan Smith Theater in his memory. It has since broadened its profile with “Broadway at the Barn,” a concert series presenting notable New York performers in an intimate setting.
The theater is located at 36 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel. Tickets for “Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson, Apt. 2B” are $23 for adults and $20 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at holmdeltheatrecompany.org.
The article originally appeared in the October 30 – November 5, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
