Community Players unleash 'The Hound'

Imagine standing in an English countryside overlooking a dark remote moor. A damp fog is encircling your legs, not a star can be seen in the sky.

You turn to go back into the warmth of Baskerville hall and then you hear it! The eerie, penetrating, howl of a great dog! But like no dog that has ever walked this earth. Perhaps it was only the sound of the wind coming off of the moor, but you hear it again! A bone chilling, terrifying howl of a demon hound. You wrap your cape tightly around you and turn quickly to the safety of the hall.

The Bigfork Community Players will be presenting Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's famous tale of intrigue, "The Hound of Baskervilles," at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts on Feb. 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27.

Join the master sleuth Sherlock Holmes and his faithful assistant Dr. Watson as they solve this most diabolical of all mysteries.

This newest recreation of Mr. Holmes will be played by Scott Roskom and Dr. Watson will be portrayed by Steve Weston.

Roskom's most recent appearance on the Bigfork stage was in last fall's production of "Barbecuing Hamlet." Weston has directed and performed many times with the Community Players. His most recent show was "Playing Doctor."

Filling the role of Sir Henry Baskerville is Tony Martin. Martin was the dashing leading man in "Barbecuing Hamlet" and he brings tremendous depth to the part of Sir Henry.

Playing Sir Henry's love interest, Ms. Stapleton, is Rachel Cooper. Cooper also recently graced the Bigfork stage in "Barbecuing Hamlet," but this time she will not be carrying a sword.

Lest we think that there is no arch enemy for Holmes and Watson to bring to justice, the part of Mr. Stapleton will be performed by a newcomer to the Flathead Valley, Fred Fox.

His Stapleton is sneaky and underhanded, completely unlike the man behind the performance. As in all Holmsian mysteries, there are a number of twists and turns involving innocent bystanders. One of these, Mrs. Lyons, is performed by Jodie Thole.

Tholes's last performance on stage was in "Barbecuing Hamlet," but Community Player fans know she has been in many shows.

The roles of the suspicious butler Barrymore and his wife are played by Jerry Brobst and Barbara Langlois. Both bring wonderful acting experience and camaraderie to the production. Filling out the cast of characters is Don McAdam performing the part of Dr. Mortimer, the friend and colleague of Sir Henry. McAdam last directed "Barbecuing Hamlet" and has performed in numerous Community Players' productions.

Performance times for "The Hound of Baskervilles," directed by Deb Possin, are 8 p.m., Feb. 18, 19, 25 and 26; and 2 p.m., Feb. 20 and 27.

There will be an opening night gala featuring a traditional English tea after the performance on the Feb. 18.

Tickets can be bought at Bigfork Drug, Electric Avenue Books, Sliter's Hardware in Lakeside and Somers, JD Morell's, and at the Kalispell Grand Hotel.

Ticket prices are $5 for students with IDs, $6 for seniors and Community Players members, and $8 for adults. For reservations or for more information call 881-4581.