'The Hound of the Baskervilles' promises hilarity, suspense

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most celebrated Sherlock Holmes story “The Hound of the Baskervilles” gets a gloriously funny makeover in the riotous adaptation by Alpine Theatre Project.

Using only three actors playing 14 characters at breakneck speed, Alpine Theatre Project’s new production is promising to be the funniest play the professional theater has ever produced, running June 20 to 29 at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center.

When Sir Charles Baskerville is found dead on his estate, with a look of terror still etched on his face, and the paw prints of a gigantic hound beside his body, the great detective Sherlock Holmes is summoned from Baker Street, with Dr. Watson in tow, to unravel the mysteries surrounding his death, and investigate the ancient curse of the Hound of the Baskervilles. Packed full of verbal and visual ingenuity, “The Hound of the Baskervilles” became a runaway hit on London’s West End, and is now delighting audiences worldwide.

The production is directed by Simon Needham, an Orlando actor who performed in an acclaimed production of the comedy at the Orlando Shakespeare Company.

Tasked with bringing seven characters to life, including the famous Sherlock Holmes, is professional actor, Timothy Williams, who is no stranger to playing multiple characters after having starred in ATP’s hit production of “Fully Committed” last summer. Also playing seven characters, including the eponymous Baskervilles, is professional actor Nick Spear, who is perhaps best-known to Flathead audiences as the frontman of the popular ’80s band, “The New Wave Time Trippers.” Rounding out the cast of comedians is ATP co-founder and former Broadway actor Luke Walrath.

“The Hound of the Baskervilles” marks ATP’s 19th summer of professional theater productions, which also includes the Broadway concert “Dare to Dream: The Road to Broadway” featuring seven Broadway actors.

“The Hound of the Baskervilles” opens Thursday, June 20, at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center and runs two weekends until June 29. Tickets are $29 to $39 with student pricing available. Call 862-7469 or visit atpwhitefish.org for tickets and information.