Frauds, fakes and charlatans: The IRT’s season opens with Holmes and Watson

The Indiana Repertory Theatre’s 2018-2019 season opens up with a mystery, the likes of which could only involve the dynamic duo Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. Holmes and Watson, written by Jeffrey Hatcher, premiered in 2017 and will make its Indiana premiere on the OneAmerica Mainstage from September 25 through October 21. 

Holmes and Watson weaves a mystery that expertly balances both humor and suspense as Watson is tasked with identifying the real Holmes three years after his struggle with Moriarty at Reichenbach Falls. Summoned to a remote island asylum, Watson must rely on his cunning and friendship with Holmes to not only choose between three captives all claiming to be the late detective, but also figure out what will happen once he does.
  
Hatcher, an award-winning playwright, has previously written pieces set in the Sherlock Holmes universe, including the 2015 film Mr. Holmes, starring Ian McKellen. For one afternoon only on October 7, Hatcher will join the IRT for a post-show discussion, providing audience members the chance to hear from him regarding his background and inspiration for the play.

Director Risa Brainin, who also directed IRT’s productions of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (2017) and Tuesdays with Morrie (2007), has previously worked with Hatcher and his plays.

“This is my fourth Jeffrey Hatcher play, and I’m a huge fan. His range—even within the plays I’ve personally directed Tuesdays with Morrie, Jekyll and Hyde, an adaptation of Ibsen’s John Gabriel Borkman and now Holmes and Watson—is extraordinary,” Brainin said.

Brainin, a former IRT associate artistic director, will bring her extensive experience back to the IRT to help lead the cast and creative team in this chilling and clever tale of deception.

“Through all of his plays, there is always great wit and heart, and this one is no exception,” Brainin said. “Sherlock Holmes’ enthusiasts will love Hatcher’s take on the character, and those less familiar might just find themselves becoming devotees!”

Test your skills of deduction and enjoy this fresh, intriguing and mysterious chapter for Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. Tickets for Holmes and Watson are available now!

DETAILS

WHERE: Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W Washington Street, OneAmerica Mainstage

RUN DATES:  September 25 — October 21, various times. Holmes and Watson is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes with no intermission. Tickets and performance schedule available at IRTlive.com. 

TICKETS: Tickets start at $25.  


CAST & CREATIVE TEAM:
MICHAEL BRUSASCO I Holmes #1
NATHAN HOSNER I Holmes #2
ROB JOHANSEN I Holmes #3
JENNIFER JOHANSEN I Matron
RYAN ARTZBERGER I Orderly
TORREY HANSON I Dr. Watson
HENRY WORONICZ I Dr. Evans
 
RISA BRAININ I Director
ROBERT MARK MORGAN I Scenic Design
DEVON PAINTER I Costume Design
MICHAEL KLAERS I Lighting Design
MICHAEL KECK I Composition
ROB JOHANSEN I Fight Director

SPECIAL EVENTS:
Friday, September 28, performance at 7:30 PM | Opening Night
Raise a glass and salute the cast at IRT’s Opening Night! After the show, the marquee lights shine bright as you’re treated to a champagne toast and hors d'oeuvres, and invited to a one-time-only chance to explore the set with IRT Artisans. 

Sunday, October 7, performance at 2:00 PM | IRTEA Talk with playwright Jeffrey Hatcher
Playwright Jeffrey Hatcher joins the Indiana Repertory Theatre for an exclusive, one-day-only discussion. In addition to his three Sherlock Holmes plays for the stage, Mr. Hatcher has written for TV’s Columbo and was the screenwriter for the 2015 film Mr. Holmes starring Ian McKellan. This post-show discussion begins immediately following the performance, includes tea, cookies and coffee and lasts for approximately 30 minutes. Admittance to the discussion is included with ticket purchase.
 
Sunday, October 7, performance at 2:00 PM | ASL/AD
The IRT offers ASL/AD services to our patrons with vision and hearing needs. Patrons with hearing needs are encouraged to sit in the interpretation zone and meet with the interpreter before the show. We also offer Assisted Listening Devices free of charge at each performance. To learn more visit irtlive.com/accessibility.  

Thursday, October 11, performance at 2:00 PM | Cookies and Coffee
Cookies and coffee will satisfy your sweet tooth, and our production will leave you wanting more! Luckily, you can have a sweet experience at the IRT’s Cookie and Coffee matinee where cookies, coffee and tea can be enjoyed before the 2 PM performance. 

Tuesday, October 16, performance at 6:30 PM | Happy Hour
Imbibe like a local at IRT’s Happy Hour! Happy Hour starts at 5:30 PM, an hour before the performance. Sip on local libations and nosh on mouth-watering nibbles.

For more information contact Kerry Barmann, Marketing Communications Manager at kbarmann@irtlive.com or 317.916.4824.

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