Photo Flash: First Look at Taproot Theatre's SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CASE OF THE CHRISTMAS CAROL

He's back! Taproot Theatre welcomes Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol back to its stage, after a sold out run in 2010. Seattle playwright and author, John Longenbaugh's clever mash-up of two classics is a moving mystery worthy of becoming a new family holiday tradition. Directed by Producing Artistic Director Scott Nolte, Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol opens on November 23 and runs through December 29 with a pay-what-you-can performance tomorrow night, November 21. Get a first look at the production in the photos below!

These then are the facts: The year, 1894. The date, Christmas Eve. The location, 221B Baker Street. After being presumed dead for three years, a hardened Sherlock Holmes resurfaces, turning his back on the people who need him most. Three unexpected callers arrive on Christmas Eve uncovering clues from the detective's past, present and future. Can they save Holmes and his world from a dire end? They must "do it all in one night" to accomplish the task. A mystery full of Christmas spirits your whole family will enjoy.

In an interview, playwright John Longenbaugh said A Christmas Carol is one of the few perfect novels out there. This belief, and an interest in the world of Sherlock Holmes, is what sparked the idea of this literary fusion. John was interested in creating an original kind of Christmas Carol, taking a different character and putting him through the same trials that Scrooge faces with unexpected twists that would surprise the audience.

Taproot isn't the only theatre to have noticed this creative approach to a classic tale- three other theatres are producing Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol this holiday season, including Artists Repertory Theatre in Portland, bringing it back after a successful run last year.

Taproot Theatre's production of Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol features four returning cast members: Terry Edward Moore as Sherlock Holmes, Stephen Grenley as Watson, along with Aaron Lamb and Pam Nolte. They are joined by Ryan Childers, Ricky Coates, Alyssa Kay and Parker Matthews. The production team includes scenic and sound designer Mark Lund, costume designer Sarah Burch Gordon and lighting designer Brian Engel. Lisa Hermanson serves as stage manager, Kate Forster as dialect coach and Anne Olsen as dramaturg.

Taproot Theatre Company is located at 204 North 85th Street, Seattle, Washington. Tickets are available online at www.taproottheatre.org/buy-tickets and through Taproot Theatre's box office, in person or by phone at 206.781.9707.

Taproot Theatre Company is a professional, non?profit theatre company with a multi?faceted production program. Founded in 1976, Taproot Theatre serves the Pacific Northwest with Mainstage Productions, Touring Productions and the Acting Studio. Taproot exists to create theatre that explores the beauty and questions of life while bringing hope to our search for meaning. Taproot Theatre Company is a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), Theatre Puget Sound (TPS), and the Phinney Ridge Neighborhood Association.

Photo Credit: Erik Stuhaug