Robert San Juan continues a busy year playing Dr. Watson in Stage West’s Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Ghost Machine
RICH LOPEZ | Staff writer
Rich@DallasVoice.com
Last weekend, Stage West opened the third and final installment of its Sherlock Holmes trilogy that began in 2024. This isn’t your grandpa’s Holmes: David MacGregor’s tales pay proper homage to the hero with a cheeky modern flair. The Fort Worth theater concludes its ambitious three-parter with the regional premiere of Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Ghost Machine.
The show is directed by Jay Duffer and stars Dana Schultes, Samantha Potrykus, Paul Taylor, Bob Hess and Brandon J. Murphy in the titular role and runs through July 5.
Also in the cast is actor Robert San Juan, making his Stage West debut as Dr. Watson. This is his fourth production of the year, and while this kind of pacing isn’t necessarily unusual, it is damn noteworthy.
But ask San Juan about it, and he says it’s just kind of his thing at the moment.
“I don’t know if my attitude or thought process or anything has been any different,” he said. “I like to work, so when something interests me, and the people and place are right, and the place is right, I’ll do it.”
The thing is, his four shows have been back-to-back. Pretty much, San Juan’s entire year has been devoted to the stage through rehearsals and show runs. Plus, he has a day job.
His productivity, he said, is fueled by a profound connection to his craft. By day, his world is surrounded by tech, but when it comes to the theater, it’s far less a hobby and more a sanctuary.
“It just makes me feel alive. I’ve kind of been this way since my very first production which, I think, was in second grade. Even then there was something about that process that I responded to,” he said. “When I’m in rehearsal for hours or learning lines by repetition, my body feels better, and everything just makes sense.”
It’s not the applause that draws him. In fact San Juan is fine without the recognition. “Well, I don’’t take compliments very well, and applause is just that,” he said. “But I’ll allow myself to enjoy it.”
Hopefully so, because he has gotten a whole lot of applause this year.
San Juan kicked off the year in February by starring in Lewisville Playhouse’s Ordinary People. He made his other company debut in March at Garland Civic Theatre in Neil Simon’s Rumors. In May, he starred as the narrator in Allen Contemporary Theatre’s Our Town. And now he’s in Fort Worth as Sherlock Holmes’ famous sidekick.
He said this is the perfect time for him to explore these particular roles.
“When I was 20 or 30 years old, I could never have done these parts. So, because of my age and life experience, these have all been satisfying parts,” he said. “I think that has helped me enjoy telling stories more than I could have before. I think that’s the common thread here, and I relish what I can bring to these roles.”
His versatility continues to shine in his stint at Stage West. He’s done heavy drama, madcap comedy and, now, he finds his footing in a mystery that’s sly and witty.
“This is new to me, but I’m excited to see how audiences respond,” he said. “I think audiences will love that this isn’t just a farce; it is also a crime caper with all these humorus and clever layers to it,”
Just like San Juan himself.
For tickets, visit StageWest.org.