CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield Arts Studio Theatre has been working for many weeks to prepare for its next production, an original piece, formed through the collaboration of many local artists.
Holmes! the Musical, written by State College playwright Jerry Sawyer, is an original musical about Sherlock Holmes with music by Jerry Sawyer, arrangements by Matthew Doebler and Steve Dixon, and vocal arrangements by Mary Beth Geppert.
Performances will be July 15-16 and 21-23 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 17 at 2 p.m. Sunday’s matinee will feature sign language interpretation.
The setting for this one of a kind musical is London in the 1890’s. 221-B Baker Street is the residence of Sherlock Holmes, a consulting detective who is building a considerable reputation as a champion of the victims of crime and deceit, whether they be rich or poor, common or royalty.
According to the playwright, this production is meant as entertainment. On a basic level, it is a mystery to be solved and is faithful to the style and tradition of Conan Doyle.
There is humor in the exchanges between Holmes and Watson, romance and fun for the young couple, some hope for the houseboy who idolizes Holmes, a truly evil antagonist, a humorous chase and capture at the end, and more.
It’s also a serious look into the heart of the mysterious Sherlock Holmes. Why is he so distant, logical, and relentless in his investigations?
Jerry Sawyer, the mastermind playwright behind the musical, has produced Holmes! successfully in two venues in State College. CAST is both excited and honored to be among the first theatres to produce this show.
Tickets are available online through the CAST Web site (www.ClearfieldArts.org), where specific seats can be selected. Tickets are on sale at The Liddle Gallery in downtown Clearfield, and the CAST office will be open on July 11, 12, and 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to sell tickets.
Tickets can also be purchased at the box office prior to each performance. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students.
Talk backs will be led by playwright Jerry Sawyer and others on Saturday, July 16 at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 23 following the performance. Refreshments will be provided.
A playwriting workshop will be held on Saturday, July 23 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The cost of the workshop is $10 per person, and registrations are accepted through the CAST Web site and at the CAST office.
Local artist Sherry Appleton will be the featured artist in CAST’s lobby and green room, where her artwork will be for sale. A piece of the set, an original London Landscape, was donated by the artist and will be auctioned off during a silent auction in the green room at intermission.
For more information, visit www.ClearfieldArts.org, call 814-765-4474, or e-mail ClearfieldArts@gmail.com. Find the Clearfield Arts Studio Theatre Inc. on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. CAST is a nonprofit arts center located at 112 E. Locust St., in the heart of downtown Clearfield.