When Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created Sherlock Holmes, he created a character that became famous worldwide.  He was uber-smart, if a bit socially awkward, handsome and single, so no wonder people fell under his spell. Now, what if he were totally incapable of solving even the simplest of crimes but because of his good looks he was a front man for the real crime solver….his landlady, Mrs. Hudson.  That’s the amusing premise behind Tony Padilla’s new play “SHERLOCK HOLMES CONFIDENTIAL,” the final presentation of the Desert Ensemble’s 13th Season, now located in the Palm Springs Cultural Center (or The Camelot for those long time residents).  

After a brief scene in which Nora Tate (Katrina Dixon) helps Watson (Justin Ledesma) secure a position as a freelance journalist as well as a flat in London and a new housemate to share expenses, one Sherlock Holmes (Alex Price), the action shifts to that now famous flat located at 221-B Baker Street.  The bachelor flat, nicely rendered by Thomas L. Valach’s scenic design, is where the plan is hatched.  I won’t go into any more detail regarding the plot because anything I say would be a spoiler and stories like this are best enjoyed as surprises.

  • L-R: Alex Price, Barbara-Kerr, Justin Ledesma
    L-R: Alex Price, Barbara-Kerr, Justin Ledesma
  • Katrina Dixon - Sherlock Holmes Confidential at Desert Ensemble Theatre
    Katrina Dixon – Sherlock Holmes Confidential at Desert Ensemble Theatre
  • L-R: Alex Price, Justin Ledesma
    L-R: Alex Price, Justin Ledesma
  • L-R: Alex Price, Justin Ledesma, Barbara Kerr
    L-R: Alex Price, Justin Ledesma, Barbara Kerr

Both Mr. Ledesma and Mr. Price are clearly having a good time with their roles which is a good thing but can also be a bad thing.  While their energy and enthusiasm are great and can be easily felt by the audience, at various times they both seem to drop character and be amused at their own jokes.  It is especially noticeable when either is in a scene without the other.  While verbally going on the offensive with a potential antagonist, a clever retort brings a smirk or a grin where it should be played straight for maximum effect.  The other problem, at least for this critic, was with the accents used by Holmes and Watson. Although totally avoidable with practice, they went in and out of intensity, which can quickly become distracting.  Rounding out the men of “SHERLOCK HOLMES CONFIDENTIAL” is Larry Dyekman in the dual roles of Leicester and Prof. Sanders.

The women fared a bit better.  Ms. Dixon’s Nora Tate was a hard-edged woman determined to win even as the game kept changing.  But it was Ms. Kerr’s take on Mrs. Hudson that was my favorite performance.  Clear-headed and quick-witted, she was always in control and had Watson and Holmes acting like marionettes with her pulling the strings.      

Even the most rigid Sherlock Holmes purist should still enjoy this clever revisionist take on how he became the Great Sherlock Holmes. Director Jerome Elliott Moskowitz cleverly utilizes the entire set and keeps the action flowing at the perfect pace as the play races towards its clever ending.

“SHERLOCK HOLMES CONFIDENTIAL” is playing at Desert Ensemble Theatre located in the Palm Springs Cultural Center now through April 21, 2024.  For tickets or more information visit their website at www.DesertEnsembleTheatre.org