The Way Off Broadway Community Players opened its second show of the 2013–14 season Nov. 1 with an original adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "Sherlock Holmes: A Scandal in Bohemia."
Local director Rick White wrote the play, which he said has been in the works for a few years. His inspiration came from a passion for writing and an interest in the Sherlock Holmes series, he said.
"Since I've been here [at Way Off Broadway], I've been trying to write a play. Through fits and starts, I thought maybe it would be better to take a story that already existed, take characters and adapt it for the stage," White said. "I've always liked Sherlock Holmes, so I picked up the whole canon and started reading through them. This was my favorite one."
In the play, the king of Bohemia is engaged to a princess but previously had a romantic entanglement with a woman named Irene Adler. She threatens to ruin his reputation with a photo of them together. King Von Ormstein, played by Bill Craig, seeks Sherlock Holmes' help in tracking down the evidence.
"The photo is taken of them together in the 1890's and they shouldn't be in the same company," Craig said. "Back then, to have a photo together implies a degree of intimacy that could seriously compromise Von Ormstein, his family and his role in Bohemia. So he's very serious about getting it back."
The play is performed Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. through Nov. 23 with a Sunday matinee at 3 p.m. Nov. 10. Adult tickets cost $20. Seniors, active duty military and student admission is $15. Children's tickets cost $10.
Guests who bring a paperback or hardcover book to donate receive a free box of popcorn. The books will go to local organizations that support reading, and to local law enforcement entities for distribution within jails and prisons.
The WOBCP theater is located at 11880 West FM 2243, Leander. Reservations can be made online or by phone at 512-259-5878.