Chicago Tribune
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Though I would have liked more opportunity to see Sparling’s Holmes and Bitterman’s Watson in action, “Sherlock Holmes and the Christmas Clowns” fits the bill for lighthearted holiday cheer. If cozy mysteries are your jam, this is about as cozy as they come, with low stakes, very little violence and a wholesome ending."
Chicago Reader
- Recommended
"...The accents are sometimes uneven, and it probably won’t take you long to figure out the culprit. But at just an hour, it unfolds like a delightful and easily digested BBC procedural, aided by the sly and solid vocal and physical comedy of the four servants/choral figures (played by Maggie Cain, David Fink, Alex George, and Bruce Holtman). As a warm seasonal cup of retro cheer to provide a break from the hubbub of the season, Sherlock Holmes and the Christmas Clowns hits the sweet and silly spot."
EpochTimes
- Recommended
"...As Sherlock, Sparling projects a bit of social awkwardness yet is brilliant when he explains how he uses logic, observation, and deductive reasoning to solve crimes. That’s why he’s never wrong. Holmes demonstrates his big ego throughout the play by constantly mentioning his successes in previous cases, including “A Scandal in Bohemia” and “The Speckled Band.”"
Talkin Broadway
- Recommended
"...For the holiday season, City Lit Theater Company is presenting the world premiere of Sherlock Holmes and the Christmas Clowns, John Weagly's adaptation of the G. K. Chesterton short story, "The Flying Stars," which swaps Chesterton's Father Brown for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Holmes and Watson. The show, directed by City Lit's Artistic Director Brian Pastor, is a well-done hour of charm and silliness."
Stage and Cinema
- Recommended
"...Now onstage at City Lit Theater, John Weagly’s Sherlock Holmes and the Christmas Clowns is a straightforward adaptation of Chesterton, simply swapping out Father Brown for Holmes and Watson. Watson, as per the Doyle formula, pulls double duty as narrator, and as played by theatre stalwart Adam Bitterman, in his fourth go at the part, is a fine, witty storyteller, deploying his rich, sonorous voice and twinkling blue eyes to excellent effect. Also repeating is James Sparling as Sherlock Holmes — and a somewhat unusual Holmes at that. Sparling’s Holmes (also wonderful) is a nebbishy know-it-all, blithely unaware of social proprieties; think an older Sheldon Cooper with an English accent."
Around The Town Chicago
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Delightful, fun, but underdeveloped, “Sherlock Holmes and the Christmas Clowns” is a good play with music that could have been truly great. Written by John Weagly, this tale of mystery starts out like gangbusters, with its focus on its two main characters Sherlock Holmes (James Sparling) and Dr. Watson (Adam Bitterman). Sparling and Bitterman are expertly cast and play their parts brilliantly. It is thoroughly enjoyable to watch Holmes’s obsessive nerdiness and exactitude and Watson’s need to break down the fourth wall and narrate the story for the benefit of the audience. Of course, we can rightly assume that the stage is being set for Holmes to be the super sleuth who will solve some major crime.'
Splash Magazine
- Recommended
"...Nonetheless, this play, which rather neatly plugs in a starchy duo for a wry cleric, ties up its loose ends cleanly, and at one hour long, why quibble with context? As do all City Lit’s performances, the stagecraft, though closely confined, is enticing. In Chesterton’s story, the scene is set at length as cozy, cheerful and redolent of quaint. The costumes are clever, the music a cheerful respite for the ears from Holmes’ self-congratulatory droning. The vehicle here is a harlequinade-masquerade and in this dear old-fashioned setting we get carols, courtship and comedy to bring cheer to the cold winter in this holiday treat. SPOILER ALERT: You may be pelted with candy canes!"
Werner's Theatre Reviews
- Recommended
"...Sherlock Holmes and the Christmas Clowns made its world premiere at City Lit Theater on December 14, 2025. Driven by a commitment to make literary imagination accessible on stage, City Lit holds a 19-year history producing plays featuring the infamous detective, Sherlock Holmes, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. What is brought to the stage is a campy piece that is enjoyable and entertaining even if there are some flaws in the plotline."
NewCity Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...Watching James Sparling as the socially awkward but brilliant detective is one of the chief delights of “Sherlock Holmes and the Christmas Clowns,” now playing at City Lit Theater. But it’s not the only one. Directed by City Lit executive artistic director Brian Pastor, this is a happy combination of witty dialogue, lovely Victorian costumes and four-part harmony Christmas caroling, with the lyrics sometimes changed to reflect the action. There’s even a touch of Gilbert & Sullivan. At less than an hour long, the show is like a beautifully decorated Christmas cookie—sweet, satisfying and just the right size."
