“The whole point of reviewing is to be critical. To be objective. To be truthful. I am upholding all of these principles when I say that Taproot Theatre’s final production of the season, an adaptation of Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville, is the funniest thing I have seen in years. I spent two hours and ten minutes laughing. I left the theatre chuckling, and I did a bang up job of alarming those around me as I spent the next hour or so cackling intermittently to myself in the aftermath.”
“Michael Patten captivates as Sherlock Holmes, sending the audience into peels of laughter with a mere change of tone or the quirk of an eyebrow, while Reginald André Jackson’s more serious Watson elicits no shortage of laughs himself.”
“[Nick]Watson uses his entire body to humorous effect, prompting hilarity not just due to what he says, but how he walks, stands, and best of all, falls.”
“… it is Eric Hampton and Elizabeth Keck who stole the show. They play the bulk of the thirty-five characters who appear on stage, and they nail the accents, mannerisms, and even facial expressions of each. Every movement, (and at one point, lack of movement), that they take part in during the entire production could be a contender for the funniest moment of the play.”
“utterly brilliant.”
“…Melanie Burgess and Nina Bice did a fantastic job of creating those thirty-five different costumes…”
“…this production was a flawless Study in Hilarity.”
“Baskerville is a must-see for anyone, of any age, who wants to laugh until their stomach hurts, and who doesn’t mind getting on their feet for a standing ovation. Maybe I’ll see you there, this reviewer will certainly be attending again.”
“Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery was not what I expected – and I mean that in the best way possible.”
“… the show was superbly acted and incredibly funny.”
“absolutely hilarious”
“Michael Patten as Sherlock Holmes was spot on – extremely believable in the role with perfect comedic timing. Reginald André Jackson as Doctor Watson also performed well with the right mix of dramatic turn and physical comedy.”
“Many in attendance at the packed opening night were howling with delight as the story unfolded.”
“… mashup of a Sherlock Holmes murder mystery and a Marx Brothers movie.”
“…this fast-paced show twists and turns its way through … brilliant, hilarious hijinks and character changes that continue for the full two hours.”
“…Holmes [is] brilliantly portrayed by Michael Patten…”
“…Eric Hampton, Nick Watson and Elizabeth Keck steal the show with their amazing shifts, changing wardrobe and accent to conjure up some thirty-five characters in a dizzying show that keeps the audience laughing and involved from opening curtain until the murder is solved.”
“…wonderfully acted and staged show that has everyone leaving with a smile.”
“It truly is a welcome hilarious respite from the reality of daily life.”