Weekend features Irish dance, a new take on Sherlock Holmes, and a YA novel live on stage
Detective duo
Harlequin Productions’ “Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B,” opening Friday, Jan. 24, takes the iconic detective to new territory. Sherlock (Lindsay Welliver) and buddy Watson (Karin Terry) are women in Kate Hamill’s 2022 blend of buddy comedy and mystery. “It is fast-paced femme farce fun,” director Makaela Milburn said in a news release. “This play delivers a triple punch of a good mystery to solve, something beloved made new and a great friendship formed. (It has) the kind of warmth and silliness you need on a cold winter night.” Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 24-25, plus Jan. 30-Feb. 1 and Feb. 6-8, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, as well as Feb. 2, 5 and 9 at the State Theater, 202 Fourth Ave. E, Olympia. Tickets are $33-$48; for the Feb. 1, 6 and 9 performances, pay what you choose.
Dystopian drama at OFT
Olympia Family Theater’s “The Giver,” opening Friday, Jan. 24, is quite a departure from the children’s theater’s typical offerings. The drama is based on Lois Lowry’s Newbery-winning novel about a seemingly perfect society that turns out to be something completely different: a society that lacks freedom of choice and freedom of expression, and emotion is discouraged. John Serembe leads the cast. The play, adapted by Eric Coble, is suggested for ages 10 and older. Performances are at 7 p.m. Fridays, 3 and 7 p.m. Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through Feb. 9 at the theater, 612 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia. Tickets are available on a sliding scale. Masks are required at Sunday performances.
Jiggety ‘Jig’
Celtic music and dance are perennially popular in Olympia, as this columnist was recently reminded when she attended a packed concert by self-proclaimed “everyday goddess” Celia Farran at New Traditions Café. “We’ve had really great responses to our Irish music and dance programs,” said Jill Barnes of The Washington Center for the Performing Arts. Next up in that genre is Trinity Irish Dance Co.’s “Jig,” happening Friday, Jan. 24. Trinity, which has toured internationally to sell-out crowds, is known for seeking alternative approaches to Irish traditions and for celebrating female empowerment. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington Center at 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia.. Tickets are $37-$84.
Freelance writer Molly Gilmore loves modern takes on Sherlock Holmes. She talks with DJ Kevin the Brit about what’s happening around town on KGY-FM’s “Oly in a Can,” airing at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Fridays.