Performed on March 3 and 4, “Baskerville” was put on by the theater department, holding two sold-out shows, and was the final play to be produced for the year. 

This play is a murder mystery, starring the notorious Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson. One by one, the male heirs of Baskerville are being killed; Holmes and Watson must face the challenges of solving the murders before another heir becomes a victim. 

Junior Evan McCoy was cast for the leading role of Holmes. 

“The role of Holmes is kinda how I am,” McCoy said. “He is a goofy, odd kinda guy, and it just felt natural to be Holmes and become him every single day. It’s not hard, as soon as I get there I get straight into it.”

Memorizing all 225 of his lines, including blocking and scene memorization was a challenge for McCoy, but by sticking through the process of memorizing his lines, McCoy finds it to be a little less daunting. 

“I would go down to my basement by myself,” McCoy said. “I have a theater in my house, so I just walk around that room in circles with my script, and then I memorize it sentence by sentence. I’ll read it, and then say it out loud 10 or 15 times, and then move on to the next sentence.”

Auditions for this show were a success for McCoy, as this was the first leading role he has ever had the opportunity to portray. 

“Theater is the thing I do,” McCoy said. “I audition for every single theater show. Also, this one, it’s a comedy, and I live for comedy because I’m a funny guy, and I enjoy that type of stuff.”

Acting alongside McCoy, playing the role of Doctor Watson, is sophomore Aaron Shirley. 

“[My favorite part is] seeing it all come together,” Shirley said. “Seeing it with all the costumes, lights, [and] sound. The lines weren’t that bad to learn. The most challenging part would probably be staying focused all the time.”

Each year, Olathe West holds two plays and two musicals. It is safe to say that each is highly anticipated, and the different aspects of costumes, lighting, sound, production, and sets all have an impact on the overall success of the show. 

Being that “Baskerville” was sold out during Friday and Saturday night shows, it is clear that people come for the story being told, and the great work of production done by the theater department. 

When asked why he decided to audition, Shriley’s response was the same as many theater kids. 

“I have always loved theater,” Shirley said.