'My Dear Watson' explores the relationship between Sherlock and his sidekick through the power of musical theater

Sherlock Holmes has always been popular. In addition to the original Arthur Conan Doyle stories being almost continuously in print since the 1880s, Holmes holds the Guinness World Record for the most portrayed literary human character in film and television (edged out slightly by Dracula, whom Guinness has declared a non-human). Adaptations and interpretations of the great detective are as diverse as they are plentiful, but one thing is nearly constant: the friendship of John Watson. In My Dear Watson, originally conceived as a master’s thesis at Rollins College, playwright
Jami-Leigh Bartschi explores that special relationship from their first meeting to Holmes’ climactic battle with Moriarty above the Reichenbach Falls. And what better way to delve into underlying motivations and feelings than the power of musical theater? The ubiquitous John DiDonna both stars in and co-directs this production, assisted in direction by Chris Pruitt and on stage by Kyle Stone as Dr. Watson. Bartschi herself serves as the musical director, ensuring a faithful re-creation of her original thesis. 

8 p.m. Thursday-Monday, March 3-7 | Mandell Theater, Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E. Rollins St. | 407-328-9005 |
mydearwatsonmusical.com | $22