ABOUT THE SHOW:
“The Mystery of Edwin Drood” is a play-within-a-play, whodunit musical comedy that is as much fun for the cast as for the audience. “This wildly warm-hearted theatrical experience kicks off when the Music Hall Royale (a hilariously loony Victorian musical troupe) “puts on” its flamboyant rendition of an unfinished Dickens mystery. The story itself deals with John Jasper, a Jekyll-and-Hyde choirmaster who is quite madly in love with his music student, the fair Miss Rosa Bud. Now, Miss Bud is, in turn, engaged to Jasper’s nephew, young Edwin Drood. Our title character disappears mysteriously one stormy Christmas Eve-but has Edwin Drood been murdered? And if so, then whodunnit? Musical numbers include The Wage of Sin, Perfect Strangers, Both Sides of the Coin, Don’t Quit While You’re Ahead and Moonfall. The giddy playfulness of this play-within-a-play draws the audience toward one of the play’s most talked-about features, which allows the audience to vote on the solution as prelude to the most unusual and hilarious finale!” (From Tams Whitmark)
CHARACTER BREAKDOWNS:
“The Mystery of Edwin Drood” is a diverse, ensemble show that requires skilled singers who are also versatile actors. Improvisation and/or movement skills are very welcome. Flexible casting and many roles featured. All types and ethnicities are encouraged to audition. Ages 16 and up. Non-Equity, no pay.
Chairman of the Board, Mr. William Cartwright (baritone) The emcee and host of the Music Hall Royale. The Chairman sets the scenes and keeps the pace of the show moving. Frequently jokes with the audience and is the guide through the mystery. Steps in to fill the comic role of Mayor Sapsea. A seasoned showman. Character age: 30’s-50’s.
John Jasper: (tenor) The opium addicted choirmaster of Cloisterham Cathedral. He is madly in love with his music student and his nephew’s fiance Rosa Bud. Played by Clive Pagett, the charmingly egotistical leading man of the Music Hall Royale. Candidate for murderer and lover. Character age: 20’s-50’s.
Edwin Drood: (mezzo soprano) John Jasper’s cocky nephew who goes missing on Christmas Eve. He has been engaged to Rosa Bud since they were very young. Played by the quite temperamental Alice Nutting- London’s premier male impersonator. Character age: 20’s-40’s.
Rosa Bud: (lyric soprano) A sweet and innocent young lady who is uneasy about her music tutor’s (Jasper) passions towards her. Engaged to Edwin Drood, Rosa is unhappy with the arrangement. Played by Miss Diedre Peregrine, the ingénue of the Music Hall Royale. Candidate for detective, murderer, and lover. Character age: 20’s -30’s.
Helena Landless: (mezzo soprano) The mysterious young woman from Ceylon with a “somewhat untraceable geographical accent.” The fiery and temperamental twin sister of Neville. Played by the lively Janet Connover, Candidate for detective, murderer, and lover. Character age: 20’s -40’s.
Neville Landless: (baritone) The other half of the mysterious family from Ceylon. Neville has a very hot temper and immediately falls for Rosa Bud. He is the main suspect after Drood’s disappearance. Played by Victor Grinstead, the newest member of the Music Hall Royale. Candidate for detective, murderer, and lover. Character age: 20’s -40’s.
The Reverend Crisparkle: (tenor) The sweet and kind minister at Cloisterham Cathedral who watches over the Landless twins. Played by Cedric Montcrieffe- a character actor of the Music Hall Royale. Candidate for detective, murderer, and lover. Character age: 30’s -60’s.
Bazzard (baritone/tenor) Aspiring playwright and assistant to Reverend Crisparkle. Played by Phillip Bax, the understudy for John Jasper and bit player waiting for his big break. Character age: 20’s-50’s. Candidate for detective, murderer, and lover. If played correctly, a guaranteed audience favorite.
Durdles: (baritone/tenor) The drunken stonemason who inscribes and oversees the crypts at Cloisterham Cathedral. Played by Nick Cricker, the clown prince of the Music Hall Royale. Candidate for murderer and lover. Character age: 30’s-60’s.
Deputy: (tenor/baritone) A young street urchin and apprentice to Durdles. Played by a relative of Nick Cricker who is just starting off in show business. The youngest member of the company. Candidate for lover. Character age: Teens-20’s.
Stage Manager, Mr. James Throttle (non-singing) Tries to keep the show on task. Strong improv skills required. Character age: 20’s – 70’s.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the ensemble: “Drood” requires a very strong ensemble who can sing and dance or move well. The ensemble is on stage through much of the play. Townspeople, opium den customers, dancers, servants, police, street vendors, mob, etc. All ensemble members require a great deal of improvisation as they are responsible for joking with the crowd to warm them up and for tallying the hand votes for their designated section of the audience.
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