Jackson Free Press

If you think it's time to add some mystery and intrigue to your life, head over to New Stage Theatre this month. In its season opener, the theater company presents a new take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes.

Written in 2006 by Steven Dietz, "Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure" finds Holmes in his final sleuthing days. The play has been "very popular" in other theaters across the U.S., says New Stage artistic director Francine Reynolds. "We have never done a Sherlock Holmes story before."

Derived from previous Holmes plays ("The Final Problem" and "Scandal of Bohemia" by Doyle and an 1899 play by William Gillette), this adaptation portrays a different side of Holmes. "You get to see a little bit more emotion" on Holmes' part," Reynolds says. The sleuth also has a love interest—a rarity in Holmes stories.

Included in the fast-paced play are his steadfast sidekick Dr. Watson, a Bohemian king and, of course, the infamous Professor Moriarty, among others.

Apart from romance, the mystery develops as the King of Bohemia faces blackmail by a famous opera singer, and Holmes comes to investigate—but not without opposition from arch-nemesis Moriarty.

"Holmes isn't the only one that's exceptionally smart in this play," says Turner Crumbley, who plays the King. An "opulent and barbaric" character, Crumbley brings charismatic life to the stage.

"He is larger than life, and quite the womanizer," says Crumbley. "You get the idea that life is the party and he's the star, as far as he's concerned."

Reynolds, who has been directing rehearsals since mid-August, calls the play "clever," adding that it's "a romp, and just a fun two hours."

"Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure" will run Sept. 9-21; 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $22, discounts available. Call 601-948-3533 for more info. The game is afoot.