Holmes Meets Hamlet as Middle Schoolers Take the Stage

On February 4 and 5, Crescent’s Middle School students took to the stage for a lively production of Sherlock Holmes and the Case of Hamlet, written by Canadian playwrights Warren Bain and Matt Bernard. The clever comedy brings together the world’s most famous detective and Shakespeare’s most brooding prince in an imaginative crossover. 

Director and Middle School drama teacher Thom Stoneman first approached the playwrights in the fall about staging the show and was thrilled when they agreed. “It’s the right tone, it’s the right size cast,” he notes. “It’s educational and fun, and it has an intriguing mystery.” Stoneman, who joined Crescent in September and, in addition to his teaching experience, serves as the Director at the Canadian Children’s Theatre Company, creatively adapted the script to ensure every aspiring thespian had a role.

Students embraced the challenge of the dialogue-heavy script, with some mastering Shakespearean English and others donning dresses to portray female characters. The production also featured singing, dancing, and sword fighting. 

When asked what learnings he would carry into his next production, Stoneman emphasized preparation. “ It’s important that students understand all the references in a script,” he says. “And they will have to work on their blocking, writing everything down, so that we can approach things more methodically.” Still, he says, “I set a high bar, and they really nailed it,” Stoneman said, praising the students’ creative wizardry, commitment, and strong sense of community.