Phipps names cast of ‘Sherlock Holmes’

The Phipps Center for the Arts is staging “Sherlock Homes: The Final Adventure,” adapted by Steven Dietz, based on the original 1899 play by William Gillette and Arthur Conan Doyle, Sept. 11-27.

Sherlock Holmes is portrayed by Erik Olson of Hudson. Olson’s previous roles include Zebulan in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Chaz Looney in “Drop Dead” and the ensemble of “The Sound of Music” at The Phipps. Olson is a 2002 graduate of Hudson High School and participated in instrumental ensembles at Luther College and UW-River Falls.

Chris Babbitt of Hudson plays the loyal Watson and considers this a nice break from his job as a psychologist. Previous roles at The Phipps include playwright Alabama Miller in “Drop Dead” and Angus (Pa) Tuck in “Tuck Everlasting.”

Moriarty is portrayed by Marc Paez of Inver Grove Heights, Minn. Paez is currently pursuing a degree in business administration. His favorite past roles at The Phipps include Julian Farrar in “The Unexpected Guest,” Roat in “Wait Until Dark” and Paravicini in “The Mousetrap.”

Kevin Christensen, who plays the King of Bohemia, is a lifelong resident of Hudson and has been involved behind the scenes in several productions at The Phipps. This will be his first time onstage.

The lovely Irene Adler is portrayed by Kari Kjeldseth of St. Paul. Her previous theatrical endeavors have taken her to Los Angeles and Montana. Past roles include Mary Davies/Carmen in “Axel and his Dog,” Irma in “Picnic,” Aunt Debra in “Kimberly Akimbo” and Wanda in “Wanda’s Visit.”

Ambrosia J. Webb of Roberts plays Madge Larrabee. She was most recently seen on the Phipps stage in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Other Phipps credits include Candy Apples in “Drop Dead,” Jan in “Grease,” Rachel Brown in “Inherit the Wind,” and “Seussical.”

Brett Severson of Hudson plays James Larrabee. He has been in many Phipps productions over the years, including “A Christmas Carol,” “Seussical,” “Anything Goes” and “The Sound of Music.” He has spent time with many theater groups in the Twin Cities, a comedy club in New York and a theater in Quakertown, Penn. He will soon begin shooting the independent film “Free Market Hooligans” for Redlight Productions.

Also included in the cast are Glen Bjornson of Mahtomedi, Minn., who plays dual roles as Sid Prince and the postman; and Bernie Drevnick, of Hudson, who plays the clergyman, Swiss man and the policeman.

Tickets

Nine performances are scheduled Sept. 11-27 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. on the main stage. Tickets are $22 for adults and $15 for all students with a current ID, with a $2 discount for the opening weekend, and a $2 discount for seniors on the Sunday matinees. Discounts are available by purchasing season tickets.

Patrons are encouraged to come early on Sept. 26 and 27 to enjoy Spirit of the St. Croix Days in Lakefront Park. For reservations, contact The Phipps ticket office at (715) 386-8409 or go to www.ThePhipps.org.

Champagne brunch cruise and theater packages are available for the Sunday matinees by contacting Afton-Hudson Cruise Lines at (651) 436-8883 or www.AftonHouseInn.com.

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