About the Play:

Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol is a full-length drama by John Longenbaugh. In this re-imagined story, literature's much-loved and quirky detective Sherlock Holmes is infused with the spirit of a crotchety Ebenezer Scrooge. After being presumed dead for three years, a hardened Sherlock Holmes resurfaces, turning his back on the people who need him most. Three unexpected callers arrive on Christmas Eve, uncovering clues from the detective's past, present and future. Can they save Holmes and his world from a dire end?

Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol takes place in 1894 when two of literature's favourite characters – Sherlock Holmes and Ebenezer Scrooge – meld into one in this holiday show. Holmes, who was presumed dead after defeating his nemesis Moriarty, went off travelling the world for three years while the world mourned his passing. But now he has returned to London, and he is not the same man. The story opens on Christmas Eve as Dr Watson pays his old friend a visit to rally him, but he seems preoccupied, planning to retire from the dull work of solving crimes – what has affected his so? What has contributed to his dark moods? But soon, Holmes is visited by the ghost of his great enemy Professor Moriarity, who warns Holmes that he is heading towards his own damnation and tells him of an upcoming visit by three spirits. During the visits that follow, we learn about Holmes' childhood and his lost love, the chaos that his early retirement has caused his friends and associates throughout London, and finally a terrifying future: Holmes sees himself, a cold creature of pure intellect, supplying weapons to the battlefields of the First World War. Waking on Christmas morning, the repentant Holmes makes amends with his friends and rededicates himself to his higher purpose.

Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol premiered at Taproot Theatre Company in Seattle, Washington to standing room only houses for the 2010 holidays. It was nominated for a Gregory Award and has been produced across North America and in England.

Cast: 6 female, 16 male (doubling, flexible casting)

What people say:

"An enormous success… It's a new take on an old standard. And in the spirit of the season, [it] ends with a message of hope, charity, and forgiveness." — ArtsStage-SeattleRage.com

"Strikingly original, tightly written and thoroughly entertaining." — SeattleActor.com

"Sherlock is desperately in need of a spiritual transformation and Longenbaugh is up to the challenge… [a] well crafted, thought provoking play… Longenbaugh is also able to imbed a couple of crafty mysteries within the storyline… a heartwarming tale." — DramaInTheHood.net

About the Playwright:

John Longenbaugh is an American playwright and arts journalist with 20 years of experience in the Seattle area. His arts journalism has received awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, and his reviews and articles have appeared in a host of regional publications, including Seattle Weekly, City Arts and Seattle Magazine.