By John Lyle Belden

A different, yet familiar, game is afoot at Mud Creek Players with “Miss Holmes,” by Christopher M. Walsh, based on characters by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, directed by Alaina Moore.

By changing the two lead characters to women – Sherlock Holmes (Kylie Adams) and Dr. Dorothy Watson (Kija Renuka) – other aspects of this Victorian-era story shift a bit as well. Holmes merely has to be her eccentric self to find herself in a mental ward, from which her brother, government agent Mycroft Holmes (Tanner Brunson) has to fetch her. Watson struggled to achieve her medical credentials and can only work at a charity hospital (it is her brother who served in Her Majesty’s Army). The hospital’s director, Dr. Anderson (Jennifer Kaufmann), brings the two together, leading to Holmes and Watson sharing the flat at 221-B Baker St., London.

Holmes’ deductive abilities have been mostly in the service of various women around the city, which brings Lizzie Chapman (Emma Fullen) to visit her about a threatening letter she received. Chapman’s husband Thomas (Brandon Wentz) is an Inspector with Scotland Yard, and known to be quite corrupt, though seemingly untouchable. The noble Inspector Geoffery Lestrade (Aaron Beal) has been keeping an eye on him, though.

Thomas Chapman had been married twice before, both dying under suspicious circumstances. Our detectives visit the mother of wife number two, Mrs. Eudora Featherstone (Jennifer Poynter), who has grown suspicious of everyone. Holmes also investigates the very shady Edwin Greener (Lark Green).

Oscar Otero plays Dr. Stamford, Watson’s suitor, as well as Mrs. Featherstone’s snooty nephew Reginald. Kaufmann also plays Holmes’ fussy housekeeper, Mrs. Hudson. Green appears as a doctor at Bedlam. Fullen also plays other roles.

With an excellent feel for the characters as we’ve come to know them in various media, a bit of sly social commentary, and appropriately cheeky humor, we get what Wendy and I think are one of the best performances of Holmes and Watson (of any gender) we’ve ever seen. Adams presents Sherlock’s quick genius and wit, at times impatient that us lesser brains aren’t keeping up, so well, it was as though Benedict Cumberbatch had coached her. Renuka has Watson prove to be his equal, in character if not in intellect, able to seize some moments herself. The unique bond of friendship they develop feels natural.

Brunson projects a confident air that makes it believable that he is both Sherlock’s brother and the keeper of Her Majesty’s secrets. Wentz is excellent as the villain, as Poynter is as a socialite. The others all acquit themselves admirably in their supporting roles – Green portraying likely the nicest thug you’ll ever meet, and Otero the most accommodating boyfriend.

Wendy adds that the mystery at the heart of the plot was also well presented.

This play felt like a well-made pilot to a series (and I’m happy to find that Walsh did write a sequel), a very entertaining and enjoyable take on the great detective. We highly recommend the services of “Miss Holmes,” performances Friday through Sunday, April 24-26, at the Mud Creek Players Barn, 9740 E. 82^nd Street, Indianapolis. Get tickets at mudcreekplayers.org.