“Sherlock Holmes” at Stone Canyon Elementary, My Dear Watson

Owasso Community Theatre Company presents production filled with intrigue and action April 10-12.

Owasso Community Theatre Company’s production of “Sherlock Holmes” will be an entertaining performance full of romance, mystery, action, and danger. As the story unfolds, Alice Faulkner has letters written by a girl that’s now deceased. These letters will cause grave international problems if put in the wrong hands. The notorious villain, Professor Moriarty, wants the letters. Moriarty’s gang ­travels to London on their quest, and Sherlock Holmes comes to the rescue. The detective wants to put a stop to the professor’s sinister plan. Or is he too late? Come out to the show April 10, 11, and 12 and find out.

The performances will take place on the stage at Stone Canyon Elementary, located at 7305 N. 177th E. Ave. in Owasso. Shows will be held nightly at 7 p.m. with a matinee on Saturday at 2 p.m. Tim Kelly’s adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective story will make audiences laugh, cheer, and boo as the story unfolds. Fans of Sherlock Holmes may be interested to know that this show combines ­elements from three Sherlock stories: “A Study in Scarlet,” “A Scandal in Bohemia,” and “The Final Problem.”

OCTC hosted auditions in February. Experience was not required to audition, and the talented cast consists of many actors new to OCTC.

Perhaps the most ­intriguing cast member is Paul Henry, who will portray the villain, Professor Moriarty. Henry is new to the OCTC stage, but has experience portraying a ­variety of English characters, including a gentleman in “A Christmas Carol,” Mr. Brownlow in “Oliver!”, and Frank Doel in “84 Charing Cross Road.”

“I have long been a fan of the Sherlock Holmes stories, and I have been reading them ever since I read the entire canon when I was in ­elementary school,” said Henry. “I have also seen almost all the movies and TV shows made over the years. Moriarty is a very good role for me.”

Another newcomer to the OCTC stage is Hunter Cates. He’ll play the role of Sherlock Holmes. “I’ve ­wanted to play Sherlock Holmes for as long as I’ve been acting,” said Cates. “I stumbled onto the audition notice about three weeks before the date. I was in the right place at the right time.”

Cates has an interesting outlook when talking about his character. “Sherlock can be cold, aloof, unfriendly, even a bit scary,” said Cates. “He’s always going to use his considerable powers on the side of good.”

Chelsie Goodnight will play Alice. She's also new to OCTC’s stage. “There is nothing like being in a live show,” said Goodnight. “The most exciting part is watching the audience respond with a laugh or gasp – it makes all the hard work we put into it so worth it.”

Get advanced $8 tickets at www.octok.org. Tickets at the door will be $12 for adults and $10 for seniors (age 55+) and students.

OCTC will be hosting its first annual Variety Show June 14 at the Enerje Event Center in Owasso. This will be a community showcase of talent. Stay tuned to www.octok.org or like OCTC on Facebook for the latest information.