Stage Review - Miss Holmes Returns (Centerstage Theatre)

Stage Review - Miss Holmes Returns
Presented By: Centerstage Theatre - Federal Way, WA
Show Run: October 03 - October 26, 2025
Date Reviewed: Sunday, October 12, 2025
Run Time: 2 Hours, 30 Minutes (inclusive of a 15-minute intermission)
Reviewed By: Greg Heilman

Miss Holmes Returns is one of those rare sequels that, it turns out, is better than the original. Whereas Miss Holmes was choppy, especially in its beginning, and got a bit tangled up in its character development, this sequel takes advantage of the groundwork its predecessor laid and finds its footing right away, with much better flow from start to finish. The Centerstage Theatre production, directed by Alyson Soma and running on stage in Federal Way through October 26, takes advantage not just of better source material, but also from having its main cast return from last season’s Miss Holmes, including Trista Duval as the incomparable Sherlock, Atlas Peek as Watson, Tim Takechi as Inspector Lestrade, Amy Anderson as the gruff Mrs. Hudson, and Varun Kainth as the extremely dapper Mycroft. Each of these actors seems more comfortable in their roles this time around, wearing them like a well-fitting suit.

Trista has established herself as an excellent Holmes, but here she presents another dimension — that of the stoic and emotionally detached detective wrestling with new, uninvited feelings. Her Sherlock, usually measured and unflappable, finds herself unsteady in the presence of Josh Wingerter’s Adam Worthington, a man of open enthusiasm and unchecked admiration. Josh is a superb addition to this cast, and the scenes between his overly earnest Worthington and Trista’s reserved Holmes are some of the best of this show. Their interplay is extremely well executed — his warmth and persistence continuously met with her hesitance and confusion, her guarded intellect visibly colliding with an emotional world she’s not prepared to navigate. It’s in these moments that Miss Holmes Returns becomes more than a mystery; it becomes a study in vulnerability. And that’s just one part of the brilliance of this sequel. It continues the themes of female empowerment from the first, but it adds that level of emotionality to it along with some political undertones that makes it much deeper than just your run of the mill Sherlock Holmes mystery.

Varun Kainth is just as dapper as ever as Mycroft, but this time he exudes an increased confidence and a subtle edge of calculation that deepens his portrayal. Tim Takechi, as Inspector Lestrade, finds new emotional avenues to explore, moving beyond procedural rigidity into something more humane and introspective, and perhaps just a bit uncontrolled. Amy Anderson’s Mrs. Hudson continues to anchor the story with her gruff humor and unyielding practicality, a constant presence amid the chaos. Perhaps the most striking performance of the evening, though, belongs to Atlas Peek as Dr. Dorothy Watson. This time around, Watson feels more central to the narrative — a beating heart in the midst of intrigue. Atlas has a remarkable ability to project emotions that ripple across the stage, reaching into the audience with sincerity and grace. When Watson beams, it’s impossible not to smile; when the doctor’s mood darkens, the room seems to quiet in sympathy. Their performance is a masterclass in warmth and empathy.

Costume and design contribute heavily to the emotional world of Miss Holmes Returns. Watson’s costumes are particularly striking — smart, character-defining, and true to the period without feeling constrained by it. Mrinalini’s Priya Singh brings color and cultural vibrancy to the stage, with wardrobe details that enhance the story’s sense of diversity and modern resonance. Shelleigh Ferguson’s Josephine Butler makes a strong impression, especially in her first bronze-toned dress — a choice consistent in palette and tone throughout the character’s appearance. The supporting cast rises to the occasion, building a suspenseful story filled with both expected and unexpected turns, enough to keep the audience consistently engaged. Christina Ramirez gives a layered and quietly powerful performance as Olive McGann, her subtle lilt adding texture without distraction. Aya Hashiguchi makes a memorable mark in a small but pivotal role as Mrs. Wiggins, one of Holmes’ “Knitting Circle,” while Jonna Nguyen offers a solid contribution as the Dock Worker, and Bil Nowiki navigates the emotionally charged role of Daniel Burke with honesty and restraint.

Alyson Soma hasn’t just assembled a stellar cast; she’s also shown great instinct in what design elements made the first Miss Holmes story work. The scenic design by Niclas Olson feels like a continuation of that world — elegant, versatile, and atmospheric — while Elizabeth Bonar’s lighting and Chelsea “Mo” Moniz’s sound lend support that’s both subtle and effective. Jeffery Swiney-Weaver’s props are meticulously timed and wonderfully specific, matching mood and moment perfectly. Jeffery also handles the wig design, and while this element rarely gets much attention in my reviews, it’s worth noting here: the wigs don’t just suit each actor but harmonize beautifully with the costuming and overall color palette of the scenic design. It’s detailed work that reflects both artistry and cohesion.

Alyson’s direction ties it all together with a sense of balance — embracing the feminist undertones that make Walsh’s writing relevant, while never losing sight of the fact that this is, at its heart, a mystery meant to entertain. Her storytelling is assured, patient, and visually clear, giving her actors space to explore and her designers room to enrich the story. It’s a step that found me searching the Internet for the potential of a third Miss Holmes mystery.

Miss Holmes Returns at Centerstage Theatre is that rare sequel that improves upon its source in every conceivable way. It’s more confident, more cohesive, and more emotionally resonant than its predecessor. It blends sharp intellect with compassion, humor with heart, and delivers a mystery that is as much about human connection as it is about crime-solving. In an age where the role of women in leadership and intellect is still contested, this production reaffirms the value of voices that think, feel, and lead. It’s a smart, engaging, and beautifully performed evening of theatre — one that proves the truth is never simple, but always worth chasing.

The Centerstage Theatre production of Miss Holmes Returns runs on stage at the Knutzen Family Theatre in Federal Way through October 26. For more information, including ticket availability and sales, visit https://centerstagetheatre.com/.

Photo credit: Michelle Smith-Lewis