Reviews by Carol Moore

**** Recommended **** I’ve never been a fan of the whole Sherlock Holmes thing, so I wasn’t all that excited about seeing “Sherlock’s Last Case”.  I think I’ve always been a bit turned off by all that arrogant know-it-all behavior, so needless to say, a play called “Sherlock’s Last Case” wasn’t on my bucket list.  Describe me as surprised, “Sherlock’s Last Case” is a quirky little mystery with a serious cliff hanger at intermission.  Sherlock is just as arrogant as always, but Watson brings him back to earth – at least for a little while.  4 Spotlights

**** Recommended **** We think we know everything there is to know about celebrities –  even celebrities from history.  On the other hand, how would their choices in life look if we had a different perspective?  Why did my child do that ________ (fill in the blank)?  That’s the point of “Mother of the Maid”, Northlight Theatre’s poignant historic drama about the mother of Joan d’Arc, played to perfection by Kate Fry.  Kudos to Director BJ Jones on an amazing production.   4 Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended **** I think everyone must have had the feeling sometime – you wish you could be a fly on the wall and see/hear what’s going on in that room.  With his brilliant drama, “Five Presidents”, Playwright Rick Cleveland has allowed all of us to get a glimpse of the things presidents and former presidents say to each other when they’re alone.  It’s a fascinating look into history in a kinder, gentler time in American history.  “Five Presidents” should be a must-see on everyone’s calendar.  4 BIG Spotlights

*** Recommended *** “King Hedley II”, the ninth play (1985) in August Wilson’s Pittsburgh cycle.  You know that quote about “…the worst of times” – I think it applies to “King Hedley II”.  Supply side economics and the trickle down theory didn't work very well in Pittsburgh's black community. This bleak story, a true tragedy, is the probably the darkest in the series.   Although it’s beautifully acted, I was in no mood for cheerful chatter when I walked out of the Court Theatre.  3 Spotlights