MONMOUTH — It’s no mystery why audiences scramble to the theater when a Ken Ludwig play takes the stage, and his latest madcap adventure, “Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery,” is no exception. In this hilarious adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” Ludwig transforms the famous mystery into an all-out comedic theatrical frolic full of humor, horror and stage magic as Sherlock Holmes and his trusty sidekick, Dr. Watson, face their most puzzling and dangerous case yet. Join the fray from Thursday, July 11, at 7:30 p.m. through Aug. 15, including matinee and evening performances on weekdays and weekends.

Doyle’s dynamic duo is at it again, scouring the moors for the answers to the Baskerville legend plaguing the family’s heirs. Watch as the intrepid investigators try to escape a dizzying web of clues, silly accents, disguises and deceit as five actors deftly portray more than 40 characters. Does a wild hell hound prowl the moors of Devonshire? Can the heroes discover the truth in time? Join the fun and see how far from “elementary” the truth can be.

The character of Sherlock Holmes first appeared in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel “A Study in Scarlet”; however, “The Hound of the Baskervilles” is perhaps more iconic to the legend because of its publication in 1901, eight years after Doyle offed the beloved detective. The tale of the phosphorescent hound has inspired adaptations spanning all forms of media and even video games. “Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville” rekindles fondness for the game, the chase and the foibles of hero and villain alike.

Director Matthew Arbour brings a wealth of influences from the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew to CSI: Miami and PBS’s Masterpiece Mystery to TAM’s production. “We jump at the unexpected, delight at the plot twists, shiver at the anticipation of evil, and relish the subterfuge and artifice,” he says of the mystery genre. “While the clues pile up and the stakes grow higher and time is running out, we lean forward to try to take it all in, held in our sense that what we can see can’t possibly be what’s really going on, and so eager for what will happen next, for how could it possibly end.”

“Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” features James Noel Hoban as Sherlock Holmes; Bill Van Horn as Dr. Watson; Mark S. Cartier as Dr. Mortimer/Lucy/Milker/Castilian Desk Clerk/Barrymore/Stapleton/Sir John Falstaff; Jaron Crawford as Sir Charles Baskerville/Daisy/Sir Hugo Baskerville/Sir Henry Baskerville/Inspector Lestrade; and Caitlin Ort as Mrs. Hudson/Maiden/Floria Tosca/Cartwright/Mrs. Clayton/Mrs. Barrymore/Miss Stapleton/Nurse Malloy/Winnie/Laura Lyons.

Set design is by Daniel Bilodeau, costume design by Angelina Herrin, lighting design by Heather Crocker and sound design by Rew Tippin.

Performance dates are July 11, 12 and 20, Aug. 7, 10 and 15 at 7:30 p.m., July 28 and 31 and Aug. 13 at 1 p.m. and Aug. 11 at 7 p.m. with a post-show discussion.

Classic in Context Discussions fulfill the audience’s desire for in-depth information on the plays before attending each production. The series will feature four discussions with scholars and artists, focusing on the season’s offerings. Audience members can attend the post-show discussion with scholars and artists after attending the preview production. For 2019, Classics in Context Discussions will take place following the preview performance in July.

Selected weekend evening performances will include Post-Performance Discussions with the cast and creative team. The discussions will take place on the following dates: Saturday, July 6, following the performance of “Murder for Two”; Sunday, July 21, following the performance of “Merry Wives”; Sunday, July 28, following the performance of “Hamlet”; Sunday, Aug. 4, following the performance of “Intimate Apparel”; and Sunday, Aug. 11, following the performance of “Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville.”

TAM Season Passes offer up to 25% off the single ticket price and exclusive benefits such as priority seating and free ticket exchanges. Gold, Flex, General or Senior Passes are available for purchase. Single tickets for the summer repertory and fall show are $34 for adults, $29 for senior citizens, and $20 for students 18 and under. Groups of 10 or more can see TAM shows at up to a 20% discount. Groups may also schedule pre- or post-show discussions and tours of historic Cumston Hall. Contact the box office for more information and to book a group event.

Educators receive 20% off the general ticket price with a valid photo ID at the box office.

For patrons under 30, $10 Rush Tickets are available for up to 20 audience members at each performance in the season, excluding the family show and special events. Sign up by contacting the box office, either by emailing boxoffice@theateratmonmouth.org or calling 207-933-9999 when the box office opens at 11 a.m. on the day of the show. Requests made before the box office is open will not be processed.

For calendar and reservations, contact the TAM Box Office at 207-933-9999 or visit www.theateratmonmouth.org.

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