Drama Dock Reveals “Sherlock’s Veiled Secret”

The beautiful London sculptress could barely believe she’d been summoned to the retired sleuth’s estate. "You came to my attention long before you showed an artistic inclination," states the eccentric, legendary detective-consultant. The young woman couldn’t believe the next words uttered by Sherlock Holmes: "I am your father."

Sherlock’s Veiled Secret reveals mysteries rarely glimpsed in any of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s four novels and fifty-six short stories. On April 13, 2012, Drama Dock unveils Seattle playwright K.C. Brown’s brilliant adaptation, penned with her husband Arne Zaslov, of this timeless character and of three mysterious women from his past. "It gave me great pleasure to create roles for women," Ms. Brown said.

"We were sitting around the kitchen table and wondering, ‘What if…Sherlock had a daughter out of wedlock?’," Arne shared. As for Holmes’ brilliant, neurotic side, "We were very inspired by the Jeremy Brett characterization (1984-1994) for Britain’s Granada Television," K.C. added. The play reveals a mystery within a mystery. The aging Holmes is handed a blackmail case. Dr. Watson is off on yet another honeymoon. Holmes, for reasons of his own, chooses the lovely young artist Violet Sheridan to assist the blackmail investigation. Yet Violet is about to uncover another, more intimate mystery. Yes: There’s a side of Holmes’ character here audiences rarely, if ever, will see again. The plot twists and his trademarked powers of observation and deduction are on full throttle in this fast-paced, tightly wound script.

The cast features India Castle as Violet Sheridan, Christopher Ott playing Sherlock Holmes in an ensemble of some of Vashon Island’s most talented actors, including Stephanie Murray, Marshall Murray, Sue DeNeis, Dianna Ammon and Peter Kreitner.

Drama Dock’s Artistic Director, Elizabeth Ripley, will helm Sherlock’s Veiled Secret April 13, 14, 19, 20 & 21 at 7:30 pm and April 15 & 22 at 2 pm, at the Vashon High School Theatre. Tickets are available at Vashon Book Shop and at the theatre door.