Review: Ken Ludwig's Baskerville at Murry's Dinner Playhouse

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Dinner and murder run through May 23

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Murry's Dinner Playhouse in Little Rock is the perfect place for Ken Ludwig ’s Baskerville , which runs through May 23. The stage becomes a whirlwind of disguises, mystery, madness, and nonstop laughter, while the dining room buzzes with the warm, welcoming energy that has made Murry's Dinner Playhouse such a beloved Arkansas institution. Honestly, going to Murry’s feels like going to visit friends and family that you actually like. From the warm welcomes at the door to the familiar faces filling both the dining room and the stage, and the savory buffet, there is a sense of community there that keeps audiences coming back again and again.

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And let me just say, dinner was especially yummy the night I attended. I do not know what magical ingredient was hiding in that squash casserole, but I kept thinking about how ridiculously tasty it was long after the show started. They did not have the famous cheesecake ball this time around, which I admittedly missed, but the carrot cake more than made up for it. It was moist, flavorful, and exactly the kind of comforting dessert you want at a dinner theatre. And of course, I had to get my beloved piña colada mocktail, which is sooooo sweet that it honestly counts as a dessert all by itself. That frozen tropical goodness may be one of my favorite traditions at Murry’s.

Based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle ’s The Hound of the Baskervilles , Ludwig’s adaptation follows the legendary Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion Dr. Watson as they investigate the mysterious curse haunting the Baskerville family. But this is no dusty Victorian drama. Ken Ludwig has such a gift for taking beloved classics and injecting them with brilliant humor without losing the heart of the original story. His adaptation balances mystery and comedy so effortlessly that audiences can enjoy the suspense while laughing almost nonstop. The theatrical chaos, outrageous character work, and lightning-fast pacing all feel lovingly crafted rather than gimmicky, making the show a perfect blend of classic literature and modern comedy.

Directed by Roger M. Eaves, the production moves at an impressive pace, which is absolutely necessary for a show built around split-second costume changes and nonstop laughter. Eaves clearly understands the rhythm of Ludwig’s humor, allowing the chaos to build without ever feeling messy or confusing. Every joke lands with precision, and the entire production feels tightly orchestrated from beginning to end.

Helping keep all of that theatrical madness running smoothly is Stage Manager Keylan Alderson, who longtime Murry’s patrons will probably recognize before the curtain even rises, often spotted making drinks and greeting patrons before the show begins. Also, this production had a particularly fun surprise with my friend Matthew Mentgen doubling as both server extraordinaire and the infamous “hound.” There is something so uniquely Murry’s about watching someone take care of your table before suddenly becoming part of the theatrical magic unfolding on stage. It adds to that warm, family atmosphere that makes the playhouse feel so special and personal.

And let me just say it: I am a Koty Mansfield superfan, so getting to see him tackle the role of Sherlock Holmes was so much fun. Mansfield always has a commanding presence on stage. He carries himself with the intelligence and confidence audiences expect from Holmes, yet still embraces the humor and theatrical absurdity that makes Ludwig’s adaptation so much fun. His timing is impeccable and he has this wonderful ability to make even Holmes’ smallest observations feel entertaining. Watching him navigate the chaos around him while maintaining Holmes’ cool composure was one of the highlights of the evening for me.

Roger M. Eaves is an absolute delight as Dr. Watson, serving as the perfect comedic and emotional counterpart to Holmes. Eaves has an easy charm that makes Watson instantly lovable, and the chemistry between Mansfield and Eaves gives audiences a duo worth following through every ridiculous twist and turn across the moors.

But the true theatrical marathon belongs to Adrian Hinojosa as Actor 1, Grant Watkins as Actor 2, and Paige Carpenter as Actor 3, who collectively appear to portray half of England before the evening is over. This cast are masters at character acting, and they are soooooooo funny. Watching them bounce between wildly different personalities, accents, physicalities, and costumes is honestly astonishing. One moment they are sophisticated socialites, the next they are nervous servants, or creepy strangers hiding in the shadows. Every character feels fully realized no matter how brief the appearance, and the speed at which they transform is part of the magic of the production.

Hinojosa especially shines with fearless energy and comedic precision, constantly keeping the audience guessing who he will become next. Watkins has a gift for physical comedy and fully commits to every over-the-top moment with hilarious confidence. Carpenter delivers some wonderfully sharp reactions and character choices that kept me laughing throughout the show. Together, the trio becomes the comic engine driving the entire production, and you can tell they are having an absolute blast on stage. They cracked me up!

The technical side of the production deserves major applause as well, leaning on the ever changing video background The set design smartly accommodates the nonstop movement of the show, and the lighting and sound effects help create moments of suspense that balance the comedy nicely, reminding audiences that beneath all the hilarity is still a classic Holmes mystery. Costumes become comedic weapons in this production, with quick changes and exaggerated looks adding to the delightful theatrical mayhem.

If you are looking for an evening filled with mystery, mayhem, and nonstop laughter, Baskerville is absolutely worth the trip. Ken Ludwig ’s adaptation proves that Sherlock Holmes can still surprise audiences over a century later, especially when paired with this energetic cast and the lively atmosphere at Murry’s. The game is definitely afoot in Little Rock, and audiences should not miss the chance to join the investigation.

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_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/little-rock/article/Review-KEN-LUDWIGS-BASKERVILLE-at-Murrys-Dinner-Playhouse-in-Little-Rock-20260506)._