Special to the Independent
Extra dashes of laughter and intrigue make A Sherlock Carol a cozy cup of yuletide cheer and the perfect holiday treat for all. Under the direction of Ilyse Robbins, the tales of Sherlock Holmes and A Christmas Carol come together like you’ve never seen before.
Moriarity is as dead as a doornail. Sherlock Holmes is depressed. Without his number one adversary, what’s the point of it all? Enter a grown-up Tiny Tim and the mysterious death of everyone’s favorite humbug and it’s a festive literary mash-up with surprises around every corner. This fresh and charming reimagining of two of the most beloved literary characters is a “Dickens” of a yuletide detective story that’s as “good as gold.” Six actors transform before your eyes in a playful, clever, and joyous holiday comedy that is “elementary” for a festive outing sure to delight audiences of all ages.
Director Ilyse Robbins° says. “If you’re a Sherlock Holmes fan at all and you love Dickens’ holiday classic A Christmas Carol, this is the show for you. This script is the smartest and wittiest mash-up you can imagine. With a killer cast.”
Performances begin Friday, November 14 and run through Sunday, December 21.
Featuring Leigh Barrett*, Christopher Chew*, Mark Linehan*, Paul Melendy*, Michelle Moran, and Jon Vellante*.
Scenic Design by Erik D. Diaz**, Costume Design by Sophia Barimidze, Lighting Design by SeifAllah Salotto-Cristobal**, Sound Design by Alex Berg, Props Artisan, Julia Wonkka.
Leigh Barrett* (Actor 4) – Lyric Stage-The Last Five Years (directorial debut), Sister Act (director), A Gentlemen’s Guide To Love and Murder (ensemble), Souvenir (Florence), Gypsy (Rose),Company (JoAnne),Sondheim on Sondheim, City of Angels (Donna/Oolie), Grey Gardens (Little Edie/Big Edie),The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby (Gruden/Peg), Big River (Miss Watson/Sally Phelps), Animal Crackers (Mrs. Rittenhouse), Follies (Sally), A Little Night Music (Countess Charlotte), The Mikado (Katisha), Nuncrackers (Sr Hubert), Sunday in the Park with George (Frieda). Leigh has appeared on many Boston area stages including New Repertory Theatre, SpeakEasy Stage Company, Greater Boston Stage Company, North Shore Music Theater, Gloucester Stage, Bridge Rep, Central Square Theatre, and Reagle Music Theatre. She is a four-time Elliot Norton Award recipient including the prize for Sustained Excellence. Proud member of Actor’s Equity. Love to HB and my boys, Nick and Matt.
Christopher Chew* (Scrooge) – Lyric Stage: Urinetown: The Musical (Caldwell B. Cladwell), Assassins (Charles J. Guiteau) My Fair Lady (Henry Higgins), Sondheim on Sondheim (Man 2), Sweeney Todd (Sweeney), Working (Man 2), Man of La Mancha (Don Quixote), Urinetown:The Musical (Lockstock), Shakespeare in Hollywood (Oberon), A Little Night Music (Fredrik),Sunday in the Park with George (George), It’s All True (Blitzstein), Side Show (Terry), 1776 (Rutledge), and The Spitfire Grill (Joe). Other credits include multiple productions at The Huntington, SpeakEasy Stage Company, Greater Boston Stage Company, Wheelock Family Theater, Hanover Theater, and more recently Reagle Music Theater’s South Pacific (Emile). Christopher earned his BFA in Drama from Carnegie Mellon University, an MAT in English from Fitchburg State University, and an Ed.D. from Northeastern University.
2025/26 Season Sponsors: Tim & Linda Holiner
Diana Humphrey
Paul Kastner
Sharon & John Parisi
Production Sponsors: Nina & Don Berk
History of the Lyric Stage Company of Boston
Founded in 1974 and in residence at 140 Clarendon Street since 1991, Lyric Stage Company is Boston’s longest-serving resident theater company. Its mission is to produce and present live theater in Greater Boston with an intimate approach that promotes inclusivity and connection. The Lyric Stage leads an effort to integrate live theater and theater education into the lives of all residents of greater Boston.
Lyric Stage and Beacon Communities, LLC, the owners of 140 Clarendon Street, have agreed that the building will be Lyric Stage’s “forever” home, ensuring that the theater will remain a vital and essential part of the cultural fabric of the city.
In partnership with Beacon Communities, LLC, Lyric Stage will continue its commitment to improving the lives of Bostonians alongside a partner who shares those same values. With the partnership of Pine Street Inn, 111 of the units in the building will become supportive housing for people exiting homelessness. The combined energy of Beacon’s supportive services alongside one of the city’s cultural gems makes 140 Clarendon a paragon of two institutions coming together to make the city a better place for its residents.