Sherlock's Missing Mentor (Little Colonel Players)

Moriarty Written by Ken Ludwig Directed by Mike Price

Review by Brian Kennedy

Entire contents are copyright © 2026 Brian Kennedy. All rights reserved.

Five actors taking on 40 roles? Little Colonel Players takes on the challenge with decent results with Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty.

Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty, which Mike Price directed for Little Colonel Players, finds the famous team of Sherlock Holmes (Ken Billings) and Dr. Watson (Pat Wagner) on the case to find Holmes’ former mentor, Professor Moriarty (Larry Chaney). Along the way, they will either get help or be stopped thanks to any of the dozens of characters that Chaney, Christine Bellehelen and Cara Cashon portray.

Wagner, as Watson, was the overall best performance. The best friend to Sherlock, Watson shows care for his friend as well as confidence in Holmes’ abilities. He stays cool, calm, and mostly collected even as situations get intense. Acting as the narrator, he is clear and caring in each of his words, making sure the audience knows exactly what is going on.

Chemistry-wise, Billings’ Holmes and Cashon’s Irene Adler, an American looking to avenge her sister’s death at the hands of Moriarty, was electric. What starts as the two bickering quickly turns into respect for each other’s abilities, then genuine care for each other. Billings and Cashon play each level of this relationship with the right amount of humor, energy and class. They were truly a joy to see together.

Then, there’s the sinister Professor Moriarty, which Chaney plays reasonably well. Moriarty used his vast knowledge and resources to create a sophisticated crime network. At the same time, he looks to stop Sherlock and keep increasing his wealth. Chaney plays the role adequately but not quite matching Sherlock’s intensity. In this play, Moriarty has plenty more room to be even more sinister and ruthless than Chaney portrays.

With all of the characters each actor had to play, five actors played a total of 40 characters, the one that shined was a dog. Bellehelen was hilarious in her puppetering and voices for Toby, Sherlock’s faithful, scent-tracking dog. Toby was lovable, very excited and had personality for days.

Ultimately, Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty at Little Colonel Players was fine. The show had some humorous and tender moments, and it was definitely a nice way to spend a Friday night. Shelock Holmes fans will find the play enjoyable, others might not find it as memorable.

Moriarty

The Little Colonel Players

June 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 at 7:30 pm June 14 and 21 at 2:00 pm

The Little Colonel Playhouse

302 Mount Mercy Dr

Pewee Valley, KY 40056

www.littlecolonel.net