Finding himself: Sherlock returns to the stage with message of love

The DFA, a Christian-oriented troupe of high school- and college-age actors and actresses, will present its second Sherlock Holmes-themed play of the last year at 10:45 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. today at Jackson Church of the Nazarene at 2245 Old Toll Rd. in Jackson.

DFA President Michael Toeniskoetter said Holmes, the fictional 19th Century British detective, is seeking a missing woman while contending with his archenemy, Professor Moriarty, in the hourlong drama.

"As he tries to find her, he is led on a journey that ultimately helps him find himself," said Toeniskoetter. "His friends back him up and help fight Moriarty.

"The message is love and how different types of love are conveyed."

Written by troupe member Ally Boyland and Toeniskoetter, the two-act play, "Sherlock Holmes -- Checkmate," follows one the troupe did about a year ago, "Sherlock Holmes and the Clue of the Three Keys."

Toeniskoetter said the third work of the intended trilogy is yet to be written. He said the initials "DFA," once part of the name of another theatrical group, do not stand for anything.

Chris Stroud, who also portrayed Holmes last year, said the detective "is a complex character who has a lot of inner conflicts and is trying to figure out what kind of man he is.

"He is very arrogant and is so used to being right that it's hard for him to accept someone else controlling his life," Stroud said. "He's in love with Cassandra Beckett, played by Lydia Alford, and is on a nonstop quest to find her.

"Everyone is telling him bad things will happen if he stays on this path."

Playing Elizabeth Moriarty, the professor's younger sister, Alyssa Franz said her brother "kidnapped Cassandra in the last play, and she works for him now.

"My brother and I make a dynamic duo because I'd like nothing better than to get rid of Cassandra throughout the play," Franz said. "I'm snobby and have temper tantrums. I have the attitude that I will do whatever I want and you can't stop me.

"My brother and I had very complex childhoods. The way we were raised turned us into the villains we became and led to what we do."

Other cast members in addition to Michael Toeniskoetter as Moriarty and his brother Andrew as Dr. Watson are Rachel Cunningham as Mrs. Hudson, The Landlady; Tracy Adams as Madame Riziou; Minji Lee as Abigail, Our Lady in Waiting; Connor Penzel as Duke Earl Gray; Michael Evans as Archbishop Prescott; and Boyland as Queen Victoria.

Michael Toeniskoetter is the pianist at Jackson Church of the Nazarene, where last year's play was performed; the troupe also performs at other churches in the Cape Girardeau area, he said.

Its members have also acted in plays recently put on by the local River City Players and Acting Out!

They may be reached at 573-803-7474 or TheDFA@yahoo.com.