Nashville Children's Theatre Kicks Off 81st Season With SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE FINAL ADVENTURE

Steven Dietz's Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure has been performed all over the country, but when Nashville Children's Theatre presents it as the opening production of its 81^st season, it will be the first time the play has been presented by a theatre for young audiences. And in another noteworthy first, the production marks the first time that Nashville Children's Theatre has mounted a show of some two hours in length.

Described as "a gripping mystery by Steven Dietz"-known as one of America's top contemporary playwrights-producing a script like Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure for older audiences is an exhilarating opportunity for NCT, as the theatre embraces the chance to stretch boundaries  and give this absorbing tale to both family and adult audiences.

 "I'm a big Holmes fan," says NCT producing director Scot Copeland, who directs the production. "In looking for a Sherlock Holmes play to kick off our season I read every script I could find. When I came across Steven Dietz', it was no question that I'd found the right one. I love it because it's an update of one of the most popular plays ever in American theatre history-Sherlock Holmes, written by William Gillette in 1899. "

While this script clearly introduces a change of pace for NCT due to its two-hour length and older audience, it easily fits with the theatre's diverse season of shows. The play's obvious literary connection and high caliber storytelling provide the landmarks that lead to a reliably stunning NCT production.

The cast features David Compton as world-famous Sherlock Holmes, Matthew Carlton as Dr. Watson, Bobby Wyckoff as Holmes' nemesis, Professor James Moriarty, and Marin Miller as the mysterious Irene Adler. Rounding out the cast are Samuel Whited III, Jamie Farmer, Christopher Bosen, and Steven Berryessa. Scenic design is by Scott Boyd, costume design by Patricia Taber, and lighting design by Scott Leathers.

Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure runs September 13-October 7, for families and youth age 10 and up, and is based on the original 1899 play by William Gillette and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

At the height of his powers, Sherlock Holmes has seemingly reached the end of his remarkable career when a case of blackmail pits the world's greatest detective and his  brave friend, Dr. Watson, in a struggle to the death with Professor James Moriarty-the Napoleon of Crime! This entertaining and thrilling theatrical exploit has everything Holmes fans hope for; danger, mystery, humor, twists, turns and...romance? The game is afoot!

Dietz's work will also be on display again at NCT next spring when the theatre produces Go, Dog. Go!, adapted by Dietz and his wife Allison Gregory from the popular children's early reading book.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.nashvillect.org or by phone at (615) 252-4675.