Pitt Stages is kicking off their first main stage production of the year with Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B, a riotous, darkly comic feminist twist on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories.
This gender twist production, written by Kate Hamill, follows the tagline “cheerfully desecrating the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.” Viewers can expect a fast-paced, highly theatrical detective escapade of oddball sleuths solving devious crimes. While this Odd Couple adventuresome duo will entertain viewers with a fresh take on the traditional murder mystery, the show is not afraid to delve into the dark. The production contains content warnings of adult themes, murder by suicide, and copious amounts of stage blood, to name a few.
Teaching Associate Professor and Head of Design, Technology and Management KJ Gilmer is directing the production.
Director’s Note
KJ Gilmer
Sherlock Holmes is the quintessential modern detective. As a child, I was captivated by mystery stories—Encyclopedia Brown, Nancy Drew, and The Hardy Boys were my constant companions. So, when I was invited to direct Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson: Apt. 2B, I was immediately drawn to the zany, dark humor that Kate Hamill brings to this reimagining of the Holmes legacy.
Until now, my directing work has focused on serious dramatic texts—The Mountaintop, Hamlet, Flyin’ West, and Intimate Apparel. I’ve long wanted to direct a comedy, but the right opportunity didn’t come along—until this play. Hamill’s script is a delightful blend of absurdity and insight, and I’ve described it as Laverne & Shirley meets CSI: London. While Holmes and Watson debate whether they’re truly roommates or just reluctant allies, the play explores themes of friendship, rivalry, and the thrill of solving mysteries.
Sherlock Holmes was originally created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle for The Strand Magazine, inspired by his professor Dr. Joseph Bell—a master of deduction through meticulous attention to detail. As a costume designer, I understand that detail is not just decorative but essential to building character. In Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson: Apt. 2B, Holmes delivers a line that perfectly captures this philosophy: “Never jump to kittens.” It’s a humorous yet insightful reminder not to rush to conclusions, but to allow the smaller pieces to come together and reveal the bigger picture. This idea has guided our entire creative process—from character development and design to staging and movement.
The cast has embraced this journey with laughter, light, discovery, and joy. Physical comedy demands precision, trust, and collaboration, and this production has been a testament to the power of ensemble work—supported by our assistant director, design team, faculty, staff, and production crew. One of the most exciting discoveries during our process was the integration of African drum and dance as a foundation for movement and character development.
Inspired by my Fulbright sojourn in Dakar, Senegal, this approach brought new depth to our storytelling. Working with West African artists Kyaien Conner and Cheikh N’Dong, the cast engaged in workshops that explored rhythm, gesture, and communal energy—elements that now inform the physical language of our characters and enrich the comedic timing and emotional texture of the show. African drum and dance offer a powerful lens for exploring character, emotion, and transformation. Rooted in rhythm and communal storytelling, these traditions bring vitality to the play’s fast-paced, irreverent tone.
They help actors connect with ancestral energy, intuition, and improvisation—aligning beautifully with the themes of mystery, partnership, and reinvention. In rehearsal, we found that the heartbeat of the drum underscores tension and humor, while dance provides a vocabulary for relationships and internal shifts. This fusion enriches the theatrical experience, grounding our characters in a vibrant tradition that celebrates movement, identity, and storytelling.
Thank you for joining us. We hope you enjoy this at times bloody, bold, playful retelling of Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson: Apt. 2B. And remember—you’re not the only one with clever ideas.
Enjoy the Show!
Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B | Oct. 24-Nov. 2, 2025 | Tickets: $15-25
Richard E. Rauh Studio Theatre | 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213