How do you tell a Sherlock Holmes story without the great detective? You bring in the Baker Street Irregulars, of course.
Next week the Calumet Players premiere the group’s performance of “Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Irregulars,” spotlighting young actors from the Copper Country.
The Calumet Players have kept entertaining the Copper Country on the Calumet Theatre’s stage since 1979. Over the years, the group of local actors have performed classic stage plays such as “Oklahoma” and “Annie.”
“It’s what we’re excited about. It’s what we’re interested in. We have people working behind the scenes on the set and helping move drops and all the things. So it really is a chance just to come together and collaborate and to build something together,” said Heidi Knuuttila, stage director for the Calumet Players.
Knuuttila says the Calumet Players began rehearsal for the show in February, recently moving back into the Calumet Players building to finish their rehearsal schedule. She says it’s been great to see the growth of all the actors, particularly the young actors as the Baker Street Irregulars.
“And through that, they end up embroiled in a kidnapping, a murder mystery. They end up meeting with a criminal mastermind. And through it all, through their teamwork and their bravery and their courage, they come together and they solve the case,” Knuuttila said.
Soren Schmidt, who plays Dr. Watson, praised the young cast’s chemistry.
“So they share together and each they play off one another and all the different roles. And they really do a good job solving the mystery and also a little bit of comedy along the way. So it’s I think it’s a good play for everybody to enjoy,” Schmidt said.
The Baker Street Irregulars say they’re ready to get out on the stage at the Calumet Theatre, with the focus on them in this show.
“I’m the inventor. These guys are kind of just like here for the ride and then Pockets, she’s our pickpocket,” said Mildred Roth, one of the Baker Street Irregulars.
“It’s interesting. There’s like a lot of serious moments, but then there’s also a lot of funny moments,” said Kalle Larsen, another Baker Street Irregular.
Owen Irrizarry, also playing a Baker Street Irregular, enjoys the spotlight.
“I like when lot of people are watching me something that they think they wouldn’t be able to do. It makes me feel pretty important and I like that,” Irrizarry said.
For Emmalyn Stimmel, this marks her first production with the group.
“Yeah, this is also my first time with Calumet Players and it’s been a blast. I don’t know what else I’ll say to that,” Stimmel said.
The Calumet Players performance of “Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Irregulars” begins Friday, May 16. A second show opens Saturday. Tickets cost $15, or $12 for students. Find show details here.
