“Ken Ludwig’s “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” is riotously funny in the superb staging by the New Jewish Theatre.

The play is based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic novel, “The Hound of the Baskervilles.” In both the novel and the play, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson investigate the death of Sir Charles Baskerville on the Devonshire moors.

The case is brought to them by Sir Charles’ friend, Dr. Mortimer, who fears a curse on the Baskervilles is responsible for his friend’s death and is endangering Sir Charles’ heir, Sir Henry Baskerville. While remaining in London, Holmes dispatches Watson to Baskerville Hall to monitor events in Devonshire.

The mystery unfolds in the play as it does in the novel, but Ludwig’s lighthearted adaptation recognizes the story’s comic potential without undermining the suspense. The NJT production brilliantly exploits the opportunities for humor.

The play has a cast of five. Nick Freed projects the imperious manner and commanding intellect that set Holmes apart from ordinary mortals. Bryce A. Miller’s Watson is an ardent acolyte whose narration has unwavering fervor.

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In the 35 other parts, Alicia Revé Like, Sean C. Seifert and John Wilson display remarkable virtuosity and range. They quickly change personalities, accents and genders with consummate artistry. The characters are so distinctive that they are instantly recognizable when they return to the stage for later scenes.

Reiko Huffman’s scenic design places the audience on opposite sides of a central acting area. Movable set pieces enable speedy resetting of the stage between the play’s 39 scenes. Nisi Sturgis’ masterly direction takes full advantage of the space’s flexibility.

The closeness of the audience to the action helps build a strong connection between the patrons and the performers. The actors are completely at ease when bantering with the audience. These impromptu interactions were a highlight of the show on opening night.

The 37 characters have handsome, easily changed period costumes thanks to costume designer Michele Friedman Siler, assistant costume designer Elena Jaquez and wardrobe supervisor Abby Pastorello, who was also the wig designer. Shevaré Perry designed Miss Stapleton’s wig. Katie Orr supervised the props. Lauren Roth coached the dialect.

The lighting and sound make essential contributions to the atmosphere throughout. Katherine Stepanek’s lighting is always on top of the swiftly moving action. The program ascribes original music and sound design to Victoria Deiorio and sound design recreation to Ethan Foss. I’m not sure who deserves the credit, but I have never heard a more delightful, aptly chosen sound cue than the one that accompanies the entrance of a character chasing a butterfly. The clip is from the opening movement’s main theme in Mahler’s First Symphony.

“Baskerville” concludes a remarkably successful season for NJT. Under artistic director Rebekah Scallet, the company has reaffirmed its reputation for choosing intriguing repertory, attracting the finest artists, and staging noteworthy productions. The company’s 2026 season starts in April.

‘Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery’

WHEN: Through December 7
WHERE: The New Jewish Theatre’s Wool Studio Theatre in the Jewish Community Center’s Arts & Education Building, 2 Millstone Campus Drive
HOW MUCH: $29–$61
MORE INFO: Visit newjewishtheatre.org or call 314-442-3283