Sharp-witted comedy mystery ‘Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson-Apt. 2B’ opens Friday at Millbrook
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Pictured, from left, are Tommy Anderson as Inspector Lestrade & Others and Kasey Karoll as Ms. Watson, Brenna Peerbolt as Ms. Holmes, Marisa Budnick as Irene Adler, and others in Millbrook Playhouse's "Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson-Apt. 2B."
MILL HALL -- Millbrook Playhouse closes its 63rd summer season with Kate Hamill's fast-paced, action-packed detective comedy "Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson-Apt. 2B," running Aug. 14 through Aug. 23, on the Ryan Main Stage.
Delivering a fresh, spirited twist on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary characters, this theatrical whodunit combines high-energy suspense, swordplay and mystery into an unforgettable night of entertainment.
In this clever contemporary adaptation, an eccentric Sherlock Holmes and her new, pragmatic roommate, Dr. Joan Watson, form an unlikely "Odd Couple" crime-solving duo.
Together, the pair dive headfirst into solving London's most baffling cases, complete with theatrical gunfights, swashbuckling swordplay, clever deductions and even a resident skeleton named Boneetta.
But when they cross paths with a mastermind villain who always seems one step ahead, the duo must use all their wits to crack the ultimate case.
Director Amanda Coffin returns to Millbrook Playhouse to helm this high-energy production. Coffin previously directed Millbrook's acclaimed productions of "Godspell" (2024), "Gaslight" (2019), and "The Savannah Sipping Society" (2018).
The production features a dynamic four-member ensemble of returning Millbrook favorites, with actors quick-changing through multiple eccentric roles:
-- Brenna Peerbolt as the brilliantly oddball Ms. Holmes. She was previously seen in "Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors."
-- Kasey Karoll as the grounded, sharp-witted Ms. Watson. She was previously seen in "Don't Dress for Dinner" and "Godspell."
-- Marisa Budnick as the mysterious Irene Adler and others. She was previously seen in "Clue," "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" and "Nunsense 2."
-- Tommy Anderson as Inspector Lestrade, Elliot Monk and others. He was previously seen in "The Rocky Horror Show" and "Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors."
The show's production and creative staff include Coffin as director and sound designer; Ericka Lee Conklin as associate producer and stage manager; Cade M. Sikora as technical director and set designer; Sarah Goldstein as lighting designer; Cole Hudson as costume designer; Jonas Hildreth as junior scenic designer; V.C. Deener as props designer; Kaidyn Rogers as assistant stage manager and sound engineer; Aaron White as fight choreographer; and Kathryn Farrall as assistant director.
Millbrook Playhouse's 2026 season is made possible through the generous support of Marquee Season Partner Nittany Valley Holistic Health. Pre-show drinks and refreshments will be available one hour prior to curtain at the Stage Right Bar in the Poorman Courtyard, sponsored by Michael and Rachel Rushmore.
The show is rated PG-13 for fast-paced theatrical action, stage violence, swordplay and comedic murder-mystery themes with nine performances slated for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. matinees on Wednesday, Aug. 19, and Sunday, Aug. 16, and Aug. 23.
Tickets cost $32 for adults; $28 for seniors/veterans; $22 for students and $16 for youth.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.millbrookplayhouse.org or by calling the box office at (570) 748-8083.