Booked & Scene

A Sherlock Carol by Mark Shanahan at Lyric Stage, directed by Ilyse Robbins, starts with Victorian London charm that sets the tone for a show full of surprises. Moriarty is dead, Sherlock doesn’t want to keep going. Then a grown up Tiny Tim arrives with news that something about the sudden death of Ebenezer Scrooge does not sit right. From there the story unfurls into a lively crossover that blends Dickens and Doyle with quick wit, sharp turns, and a company of six who shift through characters at a remarkable pace. It has the charm of the classic holiday tale with the snap of a good mystery, making it an inviting start to the season.

Sleuth Supreme

What a gift to see Paul Melendy take on Sherlock. He brings so much life to the role that it feels created just for him. From the moment he steps onstage he is locked in, sharp, and fully dialed into every choice. His timing, his dry humor, the flicker of emotion behind each reaction, and the way he connects with the entire cast make him an absolute standout. He plays off the rest of the cast effortlessly, letting their moments shine while still owning the story. By the end you are fully convinced that Sherlock has met his match in Paul, making it impossible not to leave a little giddy from watching him work his magic. It is clear why he is one of the most well-known names in Boston theater.

Partners in Crime and Comedy

Jon Vellante as Actor 1 is a force. His shifts between characters are clean and distinct. His Dr. Cratchit, aka Tiny Tim grown up, has a gentle warmth, and each scene he plays as this character opposite Paul lands beautifully. His Mr. Topper brings real laughter and his musical work on guitar anchors the carol moments with charm. Michelle Moran as Actor 2 delivers scene after scene with real skill. Each accent is crisp and makes every character feel grounded. Her Inspector Lestrade hits the perfect blend of confusion and confidence and her work opposite Paul is a treat. Leigh Barrett as Actor 4 keeps the audience leaning in with each transformation. Her turn as Mrs. Dilber especially shines. Her moments with Michelle and Paul build into some of the funniest exchanges of the evening. Christopher Chew brings a classic energy to Scrooge and handles the role with heart and presence. His second act scenes with Paul are among the most rewarding in the show as they let him give back to Sherlock in a way that mirrors his own famous past.

The Evidence Was Strong

Ilyse Robbins’ direction feels thoughtful and confident. The use of the second level designed by Erik D. Diaz gives the story some strong visuals and allows for different levels than we often see at Lyric. Sophia Baramidze costumes help root the world in the period and really allow us to be further immersed in Victorian London. The choreography woven through the transitions is a smart touch that guides the audience into each new moment. The movement of the door is especially clever and becomes a fun recurring bit. In the talkback I attended, I learned that Leigh Barrett stepped into Mrs Dilber at the direction of Ilyse with full support from the playwright and it could not have worked better. 

The Curious Case of the Glitch

The production uses some new projection elements that I haven’t seen before at Lyric and some of them land very well. The Moriarity flashes on the upper level look great and the moving portraits add a nice wink to the world. At other times the images look soft or slightly doubled in a way that pulls the attention away from the scene. There are also stretches where the lighting choices create shadows that obscure faces or make moments feel darker than needed. None of this breaks the show but as the run continues these elements may tighten and become more consistent.

Case Closed, Bah Humbugs Banished

As the holiday season begins this show offers a fun two hour break from the rush of the year. It plays with the familiar story we all know while adding mystery and a little chaos. Led by the excellent Paul Melendy and supported by a talented cast and thoughtful direction this production delivers charm, humor, and plenty of spirit. Elementary, my dear reader: any Bah Humbugs that you carried into the theater will be long gone by curtain call. A Sherlock Carol runs through December 21. 

📸: Nile Hawver