Chris Dennett, right, plays Sherlock Holmes and Cherise Hilman stars as Helen in “Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure of the Speckled Band” presented at the Hale Turner Little Theatre in Elgin. The show opens Oct. 28.

ELGIN — There will be chills, screams and a case solved in Elgin this week.

In “Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure of the Speckled Band,” the famous detective is called to help a young woman whose sister has recently died in a very strange manner.

“I think it’s going to be a unique audience experience. It’s got something for everyone,” actor Chris Dennett said. “The way it’s being put together will appeal to anyone who can’t resist a good mystery. Whether you are a Holmes that delights in solving the riddle before the ‘big reveal,’ or you’re a Watson that finds joy in admiring the swift deduction, you will enjoy this show.”

Dennett, of Pendleton, plays Sherlock Holmes.

“It’s actually pretty intimidating (to play Sherlock),” Dennett said. “Obviously, it’s a budding actor’s dream to play someone so well known, but it isn’t until you step into the character’s shoes for the first time that the full weight of what you’re doing hits you. It’s a little bit scary, but one of the greatest things about acting is that everything you do that makes you scared or nervous makes you better.”

This performance will also be a new experience for Dennett because of its location. Unlike productions on the Elgin Opera House Stage where the audience and the cast are clearly separated, at the Hale Turner Little Theatre, the audience surrounds the stage and is close to the action.

“To see this play in this intimate space you almost become one with Holmes. You see the journey through his eyes,” director Grant Turner said. “You are the detective. We lay out the clues, and you solve the case. To get to solve it yourself is a real thrill, and only live theater gives you that.”

Because of the space only 50 tickets are available each night. The show’s Dr. Watson, Cody Wyld Flower, said the stage is his favorite space to work in as an actor, and it will be the first time performing in the space for Dennett and the actresses who play the two sisters, Helen (Cherise Stoner) and Julia (Anna Curry).

Wyld Flower said the Little Theatre may be his favorite space to perform in, but he can’t share his favorite part of the show.

“My favorite part of this show, I cannot tell you. You have to come to the show and see it,” he said with a laugh. “It is a fantastic reveal, but it is ruined if you already know.”

“Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure of the Speckled Band” is an original script based on the short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Grant Turner adapted the story and directs the production. He encourages people not to read or re-read the story before seeing the show.

“It’s a very faithful adaptation,” he said. “The more surprised you are, the better this is.”

“Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure of the Speckled Band” opens Oct. 28. Shows are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28, Oct. 29, Nov. 4. Nov. 5, Nov. 11 and Nov. 12. There are additional matinee showings at 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 29, Nov. 5, and Nov. 12. Tickets are $18 and available at elginoperahouse.com.

Cast

The play is directed by Grant Turner. The cast features Chris Dennett, Cody Wyld Flower, Cherise Hilman, Ron Califf and Anna Curry.