Last year, Stage West kicked off playwright David MacGregor’s low-key trilogy of Sherlock Holmes plays with Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Elusive Ear. By the title alone, these are less whodunit mysteries and more comedic farces. For its second chapter, the company opened SHATA of the Fallen Souffle on June 12. Directed by Jay Duffer, this adventure leaned into the British buffoonery with classy style and clever humor.
MacGregor’s plays center on the foursome of Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, the American (and Holmes lover) Irene Adler along with the ever-plotting Marie Chartier, the daughter of Holmes perpetual villain Professor Moriarty.
The premise of Souffle begins just before Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in the late 1800s London. The vain and puerile Bertie, the Prince of Wales, visits the detective trio who is targeted by anarchists. The trio had already begun a case with August Escoffier, the most famous chef in the world bedridden by scandal and blackmail. Marie Chartier proves to be somewhat of an ally – or does she have other designs?
John-Michael Marrs was an ideal Holmes with the right amount of propriety but had enough edge and humor to bounce around with MacGregor’s script. Dana Schultes’ played Irene with an understated portrayal that balanced the madcap of Marrs and Brian Gonzales’ Watson.
In fact, Holmes’ name may be in the title, but this chapter almost entirely belonged to Watson and Gonzales was a spot-on sidekick getting his moment. Gonzales delivered gold with a spiffy performance that unpacked layers of comic timing and dramatic flair all with a mostly stoic face. Marie could be a budding love interest to Watson in this second installment and Amanda Reyes was appropriately bewitching matching Gonzales’ energy while also serving villainous vibes.
Jovane Caamano was terrific as he chewed the scenery portraying the exaggerated French chef and Matthew Minor was a revelation as the man-boy Bertie. Minor was equally preposterous, milking every moment with best results.
Clare Floyd DeVries recreated the wonderfully detailed 221B Baker Street flat with Lynn Loett’s properties and discord. Laurie Land’s flattering costumes added to the show’s sleekness.
Duffer moved the show along at a rapid pace to fit the comedy. The engaging cast was easy to join along with for the ride but always left room for comedy to land.
This delicious Souffle did not fall and offered anticipation for next year’s final chapter at Stage West.
The show runs through July 29.
–Rich Lopez