'The Final Problem' plays at Post Falls High through Nov. 8

POST FALLS — Interrogate suspects? Or investigate a crime scene?

The choice will belong to the audience during "Sherlock Holmes: The Final Problem," now playing at Post Falls High School.

Written about six months ago by 2025 Whitworth University graduates Fiona Beattie, Lyra Cupala and Caeden Harrison as part of their senior project, "Sherlock Holmes: The Final Problem" is adapted from the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The Post Falls High School Trojan Theatre production stars seniors Emery Mannel as the titular Holmes and Madilyn "Maddie" Mushaney as Watson as they find clues and unravel mysterious goings-on.

No two nights will be the same, as "The Final Problem" features a "choose your own adventure" aspect that brings audience members into the action.

“There are three different moments in the show where there are two possible choices and a character will break the fourth wall, talk to the audience and the audience literally votes by raise of hands which option is going to occur," Post Falls High theater teacher and "Final Problem" Director Jared McDougall said Wednesday during rehearsal. "One of those three options affects the very end of the play."

Maddie said she is excited to invite audience members onto the stage.

"I love when people love what we do up here," she said. "Most of them don’t know what goes into each production that happens. To let them come up on stage and be in the lights for that split second can give them a little taste of what we do and what we love.”

For Emery, a longtime fan of Doyle's works, engaging with the audience from the stage will be a new experience.

"I’ve not done anything remotely ‘choose your own adventure,’" she said. "It’s usually pretty set in stone."

Maddie and Emery said they believe students, community members and anyone who comes to see the play will enjoy themselves.

“I sent the posters to everybody I know,” Maddie said. “It’s so rewarding to show what we’ve worked so hard on.”

This is also a special production for the duo, as they have been in plays together since freshman year.

"I would not want to share the stage with anybody else,” Maddie said. "Also, it's our senior year. At the end of every show you make a family with these people you’re with, even if you’re with them a month or three months ... There’s only 10 actors in this play. It’s so rewarding to see what we can put on with so little people, with just dedication and putting time in.”

"Sherlock Holmes: The Final Problem" will be on stage at 7 tonight and 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 8. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door or ahead of time at the Post Falls High business office.

Post Falls High School is at 2832 E. Poleline Ave., Post Falls.

    Sophomore Michael Waite as Mr. Sansby bounces up and down as he addresses Watson (Maddie Mushaney, left) and Holmes (Emery Mannel) during rehearsal Wednesday evening for "Sherlock Holmes: The Final Problem," now playing on the Post Falls High School stage.
  

    Senior Emery Mannel as Sherlock Holmes, left, works to unravel a mystery while speaking with senior Madilyn “Maddie” Mushaney as Watson during rehearsal Wednesday for "Sherlock Holmes: The Final Problem" at Post Falls High School. The show runs through Nov. 8.