by Laura Bloom Farber

Desert Ensemble Theatre’s (DET) production of Sherlock Holmes Confidential offers a witty, new, and different take on the earlier years of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s familiar characters.  Author Tony Padilla presents us with a socially awkward Sherlock Holmes portrayed by Alex Price; Doctor Watson, a writer portrayed by Justin Ledesma, who is determined not only to establish but to embellish the legend of Sherlock Holmes; and finally a Mrs. Hudson portrayed by Barbara Kerr, whose function in the play far exceeds the designation of “landlady”.  Completing the cast of characters is Nora Tate, an ambitious young newspaper woman portrayed by Katrina Dixon, determined to land a husband; and finally Scotland Yard Inspector Leicester and Professor Sanders, both portrayed by Larry Dyekman.  I will say no more in order not to broadcast any of the surprises in the plot.

The direction by Jerome Elliott Moskowitz brings out all the humor in the script, of which there is plenty.  While all the actors give solid performances, I must single out Barbara Kerr, a wonderful actor, who brings something special to all her roles.  The costumes designed by Andrew Maclaine were true to the Victorian period.  I was particularly fond of the oversized fascinator worn by Nora Tate in Act II.

For an afternoon or evening of light entertainment, I highly recommend this production.

Sherlock Holmes Confidential will run through April 21, with performances on Friday, April 19, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 20, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, April 21, at 2:00 p.m. Performances take place at the Palm Springs Cultural Center (the Camelot Theaters), 2300 East Baristo Road, Palm Springs, CA. 92262 (across Baristo Road from Palm Springs High School). Tickets are $37.50 with service fee. Contact the theatre by email at DETCTheatre@gmail.com, call 760-565-2476 for tickets or more information, or consult the web site, www.desertensembletheatre.org. The snail mail address is P.O. Box 2885, Palm Springs, CA 92262.

After the regular season concludes, DET will present two other works, each for one night only: A staged reading tonight, April 16th, at 7 p.m., in the Palm Springs Cultural Center VIP Lounge. Written and directed by James E. Anderson III, Closed for Maintenance explores the story of two strangers who meet by the empty pool of a faded motel. Running from their demons, and past lives, they struggle to connect as they come to realize that their futures are inextricably linked by fate. Starring Lizzie Schmelling, Miguel Arballo, and Chuck Yates.

On May 11th, at 7:30pm, at Old Town Artisan Studios, DET will present Nora and Delia Ephron’s Love, Loss, and What I Wore, based on the book by Ilene Beckerman. Directed by Patricia West Del-Ruth, assisted by Lou Galvan, this play showcases monologues and ensemble pieces about women, clothes, and memories. Starring Rebecca McWilliams, Jaci Davis, Katrina G. Dixon, Lizzie Schmelling, and director Patricia West Del-Ruth.