BASKERVILLE, A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY: It’s howling good fun!

Attleboro Community Theatre (ACT) proudly presents Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, in a production directed by Philip Markella. The play is billed as a “fast-paced comedy about everyone’s favorite detective solving his most notorious case. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson must crack the mystery of ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ before a family curse dooms its newest heir.”

“The Hound of the Baskervilles” is the third of the four crime novels by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle that features Detective Sherlock Holmes. Fans of the 1939 or 1959 movies by the same name will surely enjoy this more light-hearted take on the plot.

Markella explains, “I stumbled across the script and, after reading it, I really enjoyed the idea of lampooning the Holmes mystique. Ludwig is great at that.” What also makes it work is the bond which the cast has developed. “The cast chemistry is really tight. They are all friends and enjoy working together. That enjoyment is very infectious, which made telling this madcap story a whole lot of fun.”

Patrick Murphy, who portrays Sherlock Holmes, brings a more down-to-earth feel to Holmes’ character. There’s an element of wit here that complements the feel of this comical production that produces around a laugh a minute, due in part to the spot-on delivery from Alecco Panagopoulos as Dr. Watson.

Leave it to veteran actor Mark Carter to keep the audience on the edge of their seats with his humorous and terrifying characters. He portrays three roles — Dr. McCann, Inspector Lestrade, and what is arguably the lead character here, the Hound. Carter’s ominous movements alone steal the show, but he floors the audience with his sinister laughter. If this were Hollywood, Bela Lugosi would be jealous.

Other castmembers include: Doug ‘Mac’ MacAskill, Alex Aponte, Craig Whitford, Heather Carey, Carrie-Ann Kayan, Emily Lamarre, Stephanie Geddes, Nicholas Sherbine, Ruthie Withers, Marissa Simas, Patrick Keister, Gregory Beagan, and Kira Santos.

Set design by Tammy England includes a fun projection of the Hound, and seamless entry/exit so there are no distractions. Your eye is always on the fun! Sound by Kaylee Martinez and lighting by Douglas Greene, Sairys Greene, Alex Terreault, and Kaylee Martinez add to this symbiotic relationship. Costumes by Jeanne Smith and Aissa Guzman fit the period nicely.

Other than a bit of loud gunshot, there’s nothing here that would prohibit anyone from having a roaring good time!

Baskerville runs through March 17. For information call (508) 226-8100, visit ACT’s Facebook @Attleboro Community Theatre, or go visit attleborocommunitytheatre.net.