LOGAN – When the Lyric Repertory Company’s production of Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure debuts here this summer, it will help to cement playwright Steven Dietz’ reputation as one of the most prolific and widely produced stage authors currently working in American theater.
A Colorado native, Dietz has penned nearly 40 original works since 1981, as well as another 15 stage adaptations of previously published works.
Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure falls into that latter category, having been adapted in 2006 from a 1899 play by William Gillette which combined elements of short stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. But Dietz isn’t well-known to many theater-goers because his works have mostly been staged by regional theaters throughout America.
Despite that lack of celebrity, Dietz has also made a name for himself directing Off-Broadway and at major regional theaters in Louisville, Seattle, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles and Minneapolis, among other locations.
Here in Utah, Dietz’ tribute to the famous sleuth will be directed by Utah State University professor Paul Mitri, with a cast made up of local and imported talent.
Mitri explains that Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure features a deadly battle of wits between Holmes and his arch-nemesis, Professor Moriarty. But the reappearance of an old flame — the enigmatic opera star Irene Adler — further complicates the already sky-high stakes in that contest.
Leading the cast in the role of Homes will be Stefan Espinosa, a USU assistant professor with a list of stage credits as long as your arm. Espinosa has previously performed with the Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre, most recently taking leading roles in She Loves Me, Man of La Mancha, Guys & Dolls, Little Shop of Horrors and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.
Equity actor Lance Rasmussen will appear as the lovably befuddled Dr. Watson. Rasmussen is familiar to Lyric audiences from a string of previous appearances, from Driving Miss Daisy and Hay Fever in the summer of 2024 to a memorably chilling turn as the psychopathic Roat in Wait Until Dark back in 2017.
Another union cardholder, Kelsey Crotz, is slated to perform the role of femme fatale Irene Adler. A newcomer to the Lyric stage, Ms. Crotz will play the female lead in the repertory company’s earlier production of the bluegrass musical Bright Star.
The role of Marge Larrabee will be played by another Lyric veteran, Equity actress Sydnee Fullmer. She will also appear in the Lyric production of Home, I’m Darling later this season.
Other cast members will include Gordon Dunn as Professor Moriarty, Paddy Berger as the King of Bohemia, Colton Iverson as James Larrabee and USU senior Jonah Newton in a variety of minor roles.
With a PG-13 rating, Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure will be staged in the Morgan Theatre of the Chase Fine Arts Center on the USU campus.
Evening performances of the play will be presented on June 20 and 21; July 2, 12, 17 and 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Afternoon matinees will be offered on June 21 and July 19 at 1 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased by going online to https://utahstateaggies.evenue.net/events/SHOW2