A Wild Ride of Laughter and Mystery: University of Mary Theatre Presents Sherlock Holmes’ “Baskerville”

Family-friendly production promises chills, laughs, and lightning-fast costume changes November 21–23

BISMARCK, ND — The game is afoot — and the laughs are nonstop — as the University of Mary’s Dramatic Arts Department presents the classic Sherlock Holmes mystery “Baskerville,” adapted by Ken Ludwig, November 21–23 in Arno Gustin Hall on campus.

Performances are scheduled for Thursday, November 21, at 7 p.m.; Friday, November 22, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Saturday, November 23, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door. University of Mary students, faculty, and staff receive free admission with their MCard.

“This show is a thrilling, laugh-a-minute ride through Sherlock Holmes’ greatest mystery,” said Dan Bielinski, director of dramatic arts at the University of Mary and the show’s director. “It captures the mystery and intrigue of the original story but adds a lot of theatrical humor and wink-wink interaction with the audience. ‘Baskerville’ is fun, fast-paced, and family-friendly — a perfect blend of chills and chuckles.”

A Fresh Spin on a Classic Mystery

Written by Tony Award–winning playwright Ken Ludwig (“Lend Me a Tenor,” “Moon Over Buffalo”), “Baskerville” transforms Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Hound of the Baskervilles” into a hilarious and high-energy stage adventure. Five actors play more than forty roles, shifting characters and costumes in the blink of an eye as Holmes and Watson race to solve the mystery of the legendary hound that haunts the moors.

One of those quick-change artists is Kevin Parker, a freshman from Murrieta, California, majoring in occupational performance with a minor in dramatic arts. In his University of Mary theatre debut, Parker plays seven characters, ranging from the mysterious Stapleton and Barrymore to the quirky Nurse McKreeble and even the infamous Hugo Baskerville.

“It’s definitely unlike anything I’ve done in the past,” Parker said. “The costume changes and rushing around are difficult, but being able to display three or four different personalities in such a short time is an incredible challenge. I’m more than happy to do it to show off some different aspects of my capabilities early on. I believe anything is doable for the sake of a good show.”

Parker added that the show’s energy and humor make it accessible to everyone. “It’s fast, it’s witty, it’s got slapstick. It doesn’t dumb things down, but there’s plenty of humor for everyone,” he said. “I hope the audience takes away that theater is for everyone.”

Holmes Comes to Life

Taking on the role of Sherlock Holmes is Alec Stork, a senior from Mandan, North Dakota, majoring in history with a minor in dramatic arts. For Stork, the opportunity to play one of literature’s most iconic detectives is both a challenge and a joy.

“I would describe ‘Baskerville’ as the perfect combination of the comedic and dramatic realms of theater,” Stork said. “It’s a massively entertaining ride from start to finish that brings Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s world of Sherlock Holmes to life on stage. It manages to do so with both side-splitting hilarity and intense seriousness.”

Stork, who has studied under Bielinski throughout his four years at Mary, said the director’s mentorship has been “monumentally formative.”

“Dan Bielinski has challenged me and helped me grow and improve in every way in the world of acting,” Stork said. “He has shown me so much more about the art of acting than I would have ever thought was possible. To say he has broadened my horizons as an actor would be an understatement.”

While Stork admits keeping a straight face can be tough amid the chaos, that’s part of the fun. “Being a part of the creative process in bringing these jokes to life is some of the most fun that an actor can have,” he said. “But it’s so incredibly difficult to then live within this hilarious world on stage and keep a straight face while doing so.”

Comedy, Chaos, and Connection

“Baskerville” thrives on its lightning-fast changes, physical comedy, and playful connection with the audience — what Bielinski calls “theatrical humor and wink-wink moments.”

The production’s fast-paced energy keeps audiences guessing, as actors juggle multiple roles and costumes in seconds — one of the hallmarks of Ludwig’s playfully theatrical style, which Bielinski calls “a delight to watch.”

For audiences, “Baskerville” promises not just clever twists and turns, but also contagious laughter and surprises at every corner. As Stork summed it up: “Everyone should come and see the wonderful and talented work being brought to the stage.”

The production is part of a robust performing arts department at the University of Mary that welcomes students of any major to participate.