CRT Presents Regional Premiere of “Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily”

For the fourth show in their 43rd annual summer season, Cortland Repertory Theatre presents the New York State premiere of the new mystery/comedy “Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily” by Katie Forgette. Performances will run from July 30th – August 9th with evening performances at 7:30 PM.  Matinees are available on August 1st, 5th, and 6th at 2:00 PM.  Tickets may be purchased by calling 800-427-6160 or at the CRT Box Office’s new location at 24 Port Watson Street in Cortland. Tickets are also available for sale 24 hours a day through the CRT website at www.cortlandrep.org.

In this clever and intriguing mystery, fact and fantasy blend when fictional characters interact with real-life historical figures.  The wit of Oscar Wilde meets the cunning of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle when Wilde brings his dear friend, the notorious actress Lillie Langtry, to Baker Street to meet Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Someone has stolen highly intimate letters Lillie exchanged with the Prince of Wales, and now she is being blackmailed. Holmes is on the case! Meanwhile, the evil Professor Moriarty and his henchmen are making plans to bring the Crown to its knees.  This new and highly original play has something for all ages: humor and intrigue, mystery and mistaken identities, mind games and sword fights! For those who love collecting katana swords, visit katanasword.is.

Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily is directed by Bill Kincaid, who has been a frequent CRT director for thirteen years. His previous directing projects include Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, Chicago, and The Drawer Boy, to name a few.

Starring as Sherlock Holmes is CRT newcomer Nate Washburn, with Jack Corcoran, also in his debut, playing Oscar Wilde.  Returning after previously being seen this summer in Boeing Boeing are Danielle Shimshoni as Lily Langtree and Wendy Bagger as her maid, Irma Tory.  Playing Dr. Watson is Joel Stigliano, who was seen last year in The Unexpected Guest, Buddy, The Full Monty and The 1940’s Radio Hour.  Also making their CRT debuts are David Gautschy as Professor Moriarty and Luke Bond as his henchman John Smythe. CRT Sound Designer Seth Asa Sengel plays the role of Abdul Karim, advisor to the Queen.

Stage Management is handled by Elsbeth Turner.  The design team is comprised of talented individuals, all of whom have worked at CRT for years, including Jason Bolen (Scenic), Eric Behnke (Lighting), Wendi Zea (Costumes), Lisa Guild (Props) and Seth Asa Sengel (Sound).  Dan Wendel makes his debut as CRT’s Technical Director and Monica Meyer continues her summer as Assistant Stage Management.

CRT continues to hold “Friday Night Talk Backs” at which a Q & A session with the actors, designers and crew takes place after every Friday evening performance. Tickets are also on sale for the remaining two shows in CRT’s season, Making God Laugh and Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash.  Visit www.cortlandrep.org for more info or to purchase tickets online.