Playwright Kate Hamill Gifts Cute Twist to a Classic in "Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B"

A New Production Currently Playing at The Old Globe Until September 1 

A Blog View by Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti

(from left) Ruibo Qian, Nehal Joshi, Jenn Harris, and Natalie Woolams-Torres. Photo by Jim Cox.

The Globe had a Merry Wives reunion as actresses Jenn Harris and Ruibo Qian shared the stage again in the new play Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B. Written by Kate Hamill and directed by Old Globe Resident Artist James Vásquez, 'Holmes keeps the essence of the murder mystery classic and does a cute spin by having Holmes and Watson be female characters living in present-day and with a cool backstory.

Mrs. Drebber (Jenn Harris) rents a duplex where Ms. Sherlock Holmes (Ruibo Qian) lives and the new tenant, Ms. Joan Watson (Natalie Woolams-Torres) will be arriving. It seems Joan's new living arrangements might have to do with a certain past and running from it, or just leaving it behind -we do not know-. Amid the move, Inspector Lestrade (Nehal Joshi) comes in search of Holmes's expertise as a crime has been committed, and, elementary, Watson is brought on board by default. The turmoil begins and the roommates embark on a series of clues to find who, what, and why, pertinently contoured by Amanda Zieve's lighting design that gives air to each scene.

Nehal Joshi, Jenn Harris, and Natalie Woolams-Torres. Photo by Jim Cox. 

Both Jen Harris and Nehal Joshi play different roles that are corky and fun. Within the character rotation, it is the roles of Irene Adler and Elliot Monk that rock Shirley Pierson's pièces de résistance in her costume design for this piece as Harris flaunts a beautiful burgundy suit with a sensual back corset while Joshi suits up in a more relaxed manner that even has its own moment to shine on stage. Pierson takes the British look from the novels and short stories giving them a XXI-century glow. Ms. Holmes's gear is also super cute with high-high rise jeans with a gold strap that matches the iconic detective coat but again, this one with a twist shortened and very chic. Qian and Woolams-Torres present a very charming stage bond that captivates audiences and helps follow each of the clues delivered hilariously. Continuing with the Wives' reunion, James Vásquez who also directed that piece last year, has a good hand with this type of pieces grasping the comedic aspects and matching it with the rhythm. Even though the show goes by fairly quickly and I understand why there is an intermission, -I mean, there has to be-... I think the piece would have benefited by being shorter. 

Sean Fanning's scenic design is fittingly creative as the stage floor is squared simulating a chess board and the detective moves with the different pieces. Some of the squares on the stage lift revealing wardrobe, props, and surprises that added to the intrigue that was punctually guided by Melanie Chen Cole's sound design that sometimes also gasped along with the audience and it is nice to be in a room where all the pieces are flowing to then come in unison. 

The Ms.'s is a fun piece with comedic bytes that audiences will enjoy as well as the mystery and maze solvers. Currently playing until September 1. For show times and ticket prices, please click here.