“Sherlock 1899” opens this weekend at The Braumart in Iron Mountain. Show times are 7 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; and 2 p.m. Sunday.

The cast and crew will then travel to the Crystal Theatre in Crystal Falls for a second weekend of performances. Show times are 7 p.m. Friday, April 17; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, April 18; and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 19.

The play is based on the 1887 novel “A Study in Scarlet” by British author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, which introduced the iconic characters Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson.

Boyles said his goal was to focus on the rarely depicted first meeting between the two legendary figures.

Adam Kruppstadt, right, as Sherlock Holmes and Ben Verley as Dr. John Watson rehearse for the upcoming production of “Sherlock 1899.” (Terri Castelaz/Daily News)

“We know they are great friends and have seen them interact in different forms of media, but rarely do we see them meet,” he said. “I really liked the story behind the duo’s initial meeting — it’s something the audiences haven’t seen.”

The story follows the duo in a murder investigation in London, while exploring the origins of the Holmes-Watson partnership.

Notably, the novel is structured in two parts: the first focuses on the crime itself while the second provides a detailed backstory set in the American West, revealing the motives behind the murder.

Boyles said that adapting the novel for the stage proved more challenging than expected.

“It was a lot longer and more complicated than I anticipated,” he said. “But I think it turned out pretty well — I’m excited to see it come to life.”

“Sherlock 1899” Director Stewart Boyles and Producer Rodney Kjell look over stage panels during a practice at The Braumart stage in Iron Mountain. Not shown is Assistant Director Mellissa Boyles and Stage Manager Valerie Kjell. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

The production features a cast of nearly 30 performers, blending longtime DCCT members with notable local talent, including Adam Kruppstadt in the title role as Sherlock Holmes.

“I knew he would be the perfect fit as Holmes — he’s great at it,” Boyles said, noting Kruppstadt is one of the group’s veteran actors.

Ben Verley portrays Dr. Watson in only his second production, after impressing audiences in a previous holiday performance in “Christmas One Acts.”

Phil Wentz also returns to the stage after a hiatus to portray Inspector Lestrade.

“Sherlock 1899” will introduce some new faces to the DCCT stage as well.

“We have a great cast and crew,” Boyles said. “I’m very pleased. They’ve been working really hard, and soon it will pay off.”

The idea for the show came after the theatre’s successful production of “A Christmas Carol” following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We had a lot of fun and it was a great experience for everyone involved — I wanted something just as good,” he added.

Boyles said he was looking for another well-known story that could be adapted without the costs of copyrights or royalties, while having the same accessibility.

“I was driving around town one day and it just hit me — ‘Sherlock Holmes’ — that’s it,” he said, noting Sherlock Holmes is now fully in the public domain.

“I ran into Adam (Kruppstadt) at the store and said, ‘Let’s do Sherlock Holmes.’ He quickly agreed, saying, ‘That’s a great idea,'” Boyles said.

He spent about 18 months developing the script, reading the novel multiple times and listening to audiobook versions before ultimately creating his own adaptation.

“I thought surely someone else had done this for the stage, but I couldn’t find anything,” he said. “So I started from page one, word one.”

In adapting the story, Boyles reworked certain elements to improve flow and shifted aspects of the narrative to focus more broadly on human behavior rather than a specific religious faith group.

Audiences can expect familiar characters such as Inspectors Tobias Gregson and G. Lestrade, along with Wiggins and the Baker Street Irregulars, set against the backdrop of a mysterious and atmospheric London.

“I hope there’s some surprise,” Boyles said. “That it unfolds as a story rather than immediately revealing who did it.”

A lifelong theatre participant with a background in filmmaking and television production, Boyles became involved with DCCT after moving to the area. “Sherlock 1899” marks one of his most ambitious creative efforts to date.

As DCCT president, Boyles said one of his goals has been to expand theatre opportunities to surrounding communities.

“We have now done this by collaborating with Managing Director Kristen Underhill to bring the show to Crystal Falls,” Boyles said.

The production runs approximately two and a half hours and includes two intermissions.

“It’s going to be a good show,” Boyles added. “I’m excited to finally see it all come together.”

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance online at www.thebraumart.org or www.dickinsoncountycommunitytheatre.com for the Crystal Falls performances.

Tickets are also available at the door the night of each performance.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.