Miss Holmes Returns at Lifeline Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"..."Miss Holmes Returns" offers an entertaining take on Doyle's familiar characters, and the historical details about women and immigrants in 19th-century England are welcome additions. The script may be overly ambitious, but there is still plenty here for fans of Sherlock Holmes or murder mysteries in general to enjoy."

Chicago Reader - Recommended

"...Not all the climactic moments felt organically connected at the performance I attended, but I suspect that the rhythms will become more assured over the run. As it is, Miss Holmes Returns offers a blend of fan-service Sherlockiana with a healthy dose of sisterhood."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...Lifeline Theatre returns for their 40th season of extraordinary productions, suitable for audiences of all ages.This is a clever mystery story that features a twist on the popular Sherlock Holmes trope. One needn't have seen Christopher M. Walsh's prior production to appreciate this sequel, but audiences will leave the theatre hoping that he's writing yet another installment. The play is sharp, fast-paced, filled with exciting characters, stimulating dialogue and enough puzzling logic to challenge every audience member to think. In addition to a superb script, all the credit for this captivating production must go to Director Elise Kauzlaric and her talented cast and crew. Do not miss this delightful, stimulating play. And villains beware because Miss Holmes is back again!"

Rescripted - Recommended

"...Hainsworth’s Sherlock Holmes begins the show as the detective we’re all familiar with from various adaptations — brilliant, aloof, and socially distant. But throughout the show, she is forced to face directly the horror of the bloody system that Josephine Butler is fighting against. And she is immutably changed by the experience; her aloofness and distance give way to passion and conviction. And that’s a beautiful thing to watch."

The Fourth Walsh - Highly Recommended

"...MISS HOLMES RETURNS is the second in what I'm hoping will be an ongoing series. I did find a few breadcrumbs within the telling suggesting Sherlock and Watson have more adventures to come. Fingers crossed! Two notes to Mr. Walsh: less soliloquies and tighter conversations in the final scenes and don't wait six years for Miss Holmes returns... again!"

Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended

"...Lifeline Theatre is a mainstay of the arts scene in Rogers Park. They remain after BoHo Theatre moved to Lincoln Square, Theo Ubique moved to the Evanston side of the street, and Wisdom Bridge is long gone but fondly remembered. The talent and stagecraft have always been impressive and remain so with Miss Holmes Returns, written by Christopher M. Walsh and directed by Elise Kauzlaric, who also serves as the dialect coach. This is Sherlock Holmes of Baker Street done with a feminist twist."