Hamptons Theater Review: “Sherlock’s Secret Life” Had Them Standing And Cheering At SCC On Opening Night

(NOTE: Following the advice of the Village of Southampton, beginning immediately, the Southampton Cultural Center will be closed until March 29th. Sherlock’s Secret Life is cancelled through March, but boots on the ground theater may have an update soon about a reprise).

Friday, March 6 was the Long Island debut of the play Sherlock’s Secret Life at the Southampton Cultural Center (SCC). It was delightfully shocking and totally entertaining. The production is a wonderful success! It is the best Sherlock Holmes play I have seen to date and very much worth getting over to the SCC to witness.

East End iconic radio personality/actor/play producer, Bonnie Grice through her boots on the ground theater, will continue to present Sherlock’s Secret Life, written by Ed Lange at the Southampton Cultural Center through Sunday, March 22. There are many reasons to see it, but here are a few.

First and foremost, I stood and applauded the performance of the whole cast. Director Josephine Teresi-Wallace is a master at moving her actors around the SCC stage and I appreciate her knack of having her actors always say their lines so everyone in theater hears and see them.

However, I must start with Alyssa Kelly as Mariana. She was brilliant. Her command of the stage and her pure acting power was on full display. When she moved, every eye in the theater was on her and she did not disappoint. She has a high potency of pure star power.

Daniel Becker has long been a personal favorite East End talent for many years. I believe his performance as Older Watson/Narrator may be his best ever, and with Daniel Becker that is saying a lot because Daniel Becker always delivers at a high level, such is his talent.

Tom Rosante’s portrayal of Sherlock had so many moments of pure theater excellence that accented his high-level performance. Bethany Trowbridge has a certain magic on stage too. The role of Mollie was a wonderful vehicle for her to exhibit her distinct delivery of lines.

Bonnie Grice, through her role as Mrs. Hudson, once again showcased her ability to command a stage and deliver a strong punchline.

Richard Gardini shines as Inspector Lestrade and has a few special moments, as did John Lovett as Professor Moriarty.

Thomas Schiavoni brought some youthful energy in his role as John Watson. I believe his talent is perhaps just beginning to blossom and he has a long bright future on stage.

I can assure you this Sherlock Holmes production will be like no other one you have ever seen and therefore most interesting. There are some shocking, pure live theater moments that I will not expose, as to not ruin the surprise when they do occur. This is one show to surely recommend. Congratulations to boots on the ground theater, specifically Bonnie Grice and Josephine Teresi-Wallace for picking this play. I really loved the production.

Sherlock’s Secret Life can be seen on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for students and $25 for general admission. A Dinner & Theater package will be offered at The Plaza Cafe, Le Chef, and Claude’s at the Southampton Inn, while a Brunch & Theater package will be available at Fellingham’s, Edgewater Restaurant, and Claude’s at the Southampton Inn.

(NOTE: Following the advice of the Village of Southampton, beginning immediately, the Southampton Cultural Center will be closed until March 29th. Sherlock’s Secret Life is cancelled through March, but boots on the ground theater may have an update soon about a reprise).

Southampton Cultural Center is located at 25 Pond Lane in Southampton. For more information, visit www.scc-arts.org.