MC Department of Communication, Clinton Brick Street Players bring world’s greatest detective to life

One of the world’s most famous detectives relies on a band of street urchins to help him solve a challenging mystery.

The intriguing investigative trope will be brought to life by the Mississippi College Department of Communication and the Clinton Brick Street Players in the play, ‘Sherlock Holmes and the First Baker Street Irregular.” Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 21-23, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, in the Entergy Theatre at the Gore Arts Complex.

Sarah Hankins, director of the play and an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Communication, said there’s no better way to kick off the Christmas season than solving a mystery with the legendary detective.

“’Sherlock Holmes and the First Baker Street Irregular’ is a lighthearted ‘whodunit’ that is full of interesting characters, witty banter and hilarious situations that just so happens to be set during the Christmas season of Victorian England,” she said. “This family-friendly show is fun for all ages.

“I want the audience to laugh and sympathize with the characters of 221B Baker Street and to see the magic of theatre.”

She said the collaboration between MC’s Department of Communication and the Clinton Brick Street Players provides a chance for actors, designers and theatre makers from all walks of life to network and learn from one another. Students have an opportunity to work with highly qualified individuals to obtain skills and valuable insights into the craft of the theatre.

Helen Bunger, a freshman business administration major from Jackson, plays three roles – Spaulding, Clay and Breckenridge – in the production. The opportunity to bring a literary classic to theatre audiences drew her to the show.

“I am excited for people who haven’t been introduced to the world of Sherlock Holmes to get a taste of how fascinating and fun the mysteries can be,” Bunger said. “Sherlock Holmes has been and will continue to be a relevant and intriguing character because of the timeless nature of the story’s message.

“I believe theatre is all about glorifying the Lord, the One who gives us our gifts. By sharing the arts with others, we can help them find outlets to process emotions, ponder new ideas and express who God made them to be.”

Robert Burgess, assistant library director and electronic resources librarian in the Leland Speed Library at MC, will play Lestrade in the production. A fan of Sherlock Holmes in books, movies and TV, Burgess said the audience will see a softer side to the great detective.

“He mentors a young girl to become a detective, but she and her friends have lessons to teach him as well,” Burgess said. “As an audience, we like to be challenged and solve puzzles. I think we all wish we were as brilliant as Sherlock.”

General admission tickets cost $15 each or $10 for seniors, students and veterans and are available at the door. To purchase tickets in advance, visit cbsp.booktix.com.