On Friday, November 7, the curtain at Town Hall will go up on the Washington Street Players (WSP) production of the mystery thriller Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily. 2025 marks the group’s 30th year of operation, during which time they have presented over 100 top-notch productions covering a range of styles and genres.  Onstage and in the sound booth, respectively, will be Holliston residents Cindy Bell and her husband David Elinoff, both of whom helped establish the group in 1995 after another resident, Carol White came to the Arts Council with the idea of forming a theater group, choral group, or orchestra. Reflecting on the beginnings of this remarkable group, Cindy says  “I was most interested in theater and so the three of us set out to connect to community members who might share similar interests and, after a lot of hard work, Voila! The Washington Street Players was born.” The first production was a series of short Chekov plays.

And while the players and crew may have changed over the years, the quality and variety of the productions has been consistent. “Our range of plays ensures there is always something fresh and engaging for all audiences,” remarks board president and Mendon resident Katrina Lehberger. A sampling of past shows on the group’s website includes comedies, dramas, musicals, classics, original murder mysteries, old-time radio productions and children’s fairy tales.  Although many of these shows have been staged at Town Hall (they are, after all, the Washington Street Players), the group has often presented dinner theater and cabaret style productions at local country clubs. 

Audiences can always count on a memorable evening of theater when attending a WSP production. “Each performance showcases a remarkable commitment to excellence, from detailed and imaginative sets and costumes to compelling acting and direction, “ Lehberger commented. In recent years the group has been nominated by the Eastern Massachusetts Association of Community Theater (EMACT) for their prestigious DASH Awards (Distinguished Achievement and Special Honors) In Acting, Set Dressing and Prop Design.

Lehberger also stressed the “community” aspect of community theater. “We strive to foster a sense of community through the arts,” she remarked. That commitment  is evident in WSPs practice of highlighting at each performance a local organization and donating concession proceeds to that organization. Since 2003, the group has awarded scholarships to Holliston High Seniors who have been involved in some aspect of theater.

WSP’s next production Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily is a thrilling historical adventure that promises laughs, suspense, and impressive stage magic. Tickets and more information can be found at the group’s website www.washingtonstreetplayers.org

The show is sure to match the high level of excellence this organization has maintained for three decades, and you can expect exciting and entertaining theater from the Washington Street Players for years to come.