Uproarious evening of first-rate musical comedy at goodspeed's the mystery of edwin drood
By Kiersten Bjork (April 19, 2024)
The Mystery of Edwin Drood at Goodspeed Musicals is a hilarious whodunit featuring an exciting choose-your-own-adventure-style ending. With a talented cast singing a complex and entertaining score, supported by a stunning production design and strong direction, The Mystery of Edwin Drood is the perfect show for anyone looking for a fun night out at the theatre.
The Mystery of Edwin Drood, with book, music, lyrics, and original orchestrations by Rupert Holmes and orchestrations by Christopher Jahnke, is based on an unfinished Charles Dickens novel of the same name. The story primarily follows young Edwin Drood’s uncle, John Jasper, the local choirmaster who longs for the affection of his student, Rosa Bud. When Edwin Drood goes missing after a tense holiday dinner at Jasper’s home and is presumed to have been murdered, we are left with an intriguing mystery on our hands. Add in a cast of quirky Dickensian characters, and it’s a riot from start to finish. With no ending ever completed, in the second act the audience is invited to vote on who they think the murderer is: a vote that then determines how the show ends!
Goodspeed’s production features direction by Rob Ruggiero with music direction by Adam Souza and choreography by James Gray. The direction is dynamic and creates a delightful show that really utilizes the space to its fullest. Actors are constantly in the audience, both in the orchestra and balcony sections, and they make entrances from every direction possible. Some of my favorite moments were when the performers engaged directly in the audience, particularly those moments of pointed interaction with folks in the front row. The choreography is quite fun, and the music direction rounds out the production into a full-bodied, impressive evening of quality musical theatre.
The Mystery of Edwin Drood at Goodspeed Musicals is a hilarious whodunit featuring an exciting choose-your-own-adventure-style ending. With a talented cast singing a complex and entertaining score, supported by a stunning production design and strong direction, The Mystery of Edwin Drood is the perfect show for anyone looking for a fun night out at the theatre.
The Mystery of Edwin Drood, with book, music, lyrics, and original orchestrations by Rupert Holmes and orchestrations by Christopher Jahnke, is based on an unfinished Charles Dickens novel of the same name. The story primarily follows young Edwin Drood’s uncle, John Jasper, the local choirmaster who longs for the affection of his student, Rosa Bud. When Edwin Drood goes missing after a tense holiday dinner at Jasper’s home and is presumed to have been murdered, we are left with an intriguing mystery on our hands. Add in a cast of quirky Dickensian characters, and it’s a riot from start to finish. With no ending ever completed, in the second act the audience is invited to vote on who they think the murderer is: a vote that then determines how the show ends!
Goodspeed’s production features direction by Rob Ruggiero with music direction by Adam Souza and choreography by James Gray. The direction is dynamic and creates a delightful show that really utilizes the space to its fullest. Actors are constantly in the audience, both in the orchestra and balcony sections, and they make entrances from every direction possible. Some of my favorite moments were when the performers engaged directly in the audience, particularly those moments of pointed interaction with folks in the front row. The choreography is quite fun, and the music direction rounds out the production into a full-bodied, impressive evening of quality musical theatre.
The Cast of Goodspeed’s The Mystery of Edwin Drood
(Diane Sobolewski) |
Lenny Wolpe, David Beach, and Marcus Montgomery in Goodspeed’s The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Diane Sobolewski)
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The Mystery of Edwin Drood relies on a good-sized cast of strong performers, and the production at the Goodspeed features excellent casting in this regard. Every actor is on top of their game throughout, with the entire company possessing strong voices and impressive comedic chops.
The Chairman of the Music Hall Royal is played by Lenny Wolpe with charm and charisma. His role is to serve as narrator for much of the show, filling the audience in on the location changes from scene to scene, reminding us of who is related to who and why someone knows someone else, and noting what lines we might want to pay attention to. Wolpe gives a wonderful performance in this role. He is sweet and funny, mischievous and kind, all rolled into one, which makes for an engaging and endearing Chairman.
Paul Adam Schaefer is practically perfect as John Jasper. Schaefer hits all the right notes for Jasper, from the brooding moments clouded by opium, to the razor’s edge of madness, to the dark lust permeating Jasper’s relationship with Rosa. Schaefer gives his role that classic villain feel while also underscoring it with nuance and a strong presence.
Mamie Paris’ Edwin Drood is classy yet cocky, a young man full of bravado while also possessing a softer fondness in the moments with Rosa. Paris also has the audience in stitches as the Detective in the second act. All around, Paris is engaging to watch as Drood, and as the other characters tied into the role, and I thoroughly enjoyed her take on the titular character.
Miss Rosa Bud is played by Riley Noland. Noland captures the dainty, prim nature of Rosa while also accenting her portrayal with both strength and softness. Noland’s Rosa is intriguing to watch, as Rosa’s demeanor changes drastically from room to room, say with Edwin Drood versus with John Jasper. Noland fills each facet of the character with strong choices, and she has a truly gorgeous voice. Her rendition of “Moonfall,” as well as her duet with Schaefer on “The Name of Love & Moonfall Reprise” is stunning!
Jetta Juriansz plays the fierce Helena Landless. Helena is sharp and calculating when she needs to be, and kind and supportive when she can be. Juriansz plays her with a captivating energy. She is a spitfire, and she is so fun to watch in this role!
Helena’s brother, Neville Landless, is played by Levin Valayil. Valayil and Juriansz play off of each other incredibly well. They’re very entertaining to watch when paired with each other and create quite a dynamic duo. Valayil is just as strong in his take on Neville as Juriansz’s Helena. A joyous energy underscores much of Valayil’s performance, which works well for the comedic nature of the show. In moments of seriousness, Valayil is controlled and focused, using sharp glances at the audience to still maintain the overarching humor.
The Chairman of the Music Hall Royal is played by Lenny Wolpe with charm and charisma. His role is to serve as narrator for much of the show, filling the audience in on the location changes from scene to scene, reminding us of who is related to who and why someone knows someone else, and noting what lines we might want to pay attention to. Wolpe gives a wonderful performance in this role. He is sweet and funny, mischievous and kind, all rolled into one, which makes for an engaging and endearing Chairman.
Paul Adam Schaefer is practically perfect as John Jasper. Schaefer hits all the right notes for Jasper, from the brooding moments clouded by opium, to the razor’s edge of madness, to the dark lust permeating Jasper’s relationship with Rosa. Schaefer gives his role that classic villain feel while also underscoring it with nuance and a strong presence.
Mamie Paris’ Edwin Drood is classy yet cocky, a young man full of bravado while also possessing a softer fondness in the moments with Rosa. Paris also has the audience in stitches as the Detective in the second act. All around, Paris is engaging to watch as Drood, and as the other characters tied into the role, and I thoroughly enjoyed her take on the titular character.
Miss Rosa Bud is played by Riley Noland. Noland captures the dainty, prim nature of Rosa while also accenting her portrayal with both strength and softness. Noland’s Rosa is intriguing to watch, as Rosa’s demeanor changes drastically from room to room, say with Edwin Drood versus with John Jasper. Noland fills each facet of the character with strong choices, and she has a truly gorgeous voice. Her rendition of “Moonfall,” as well as her duet with Schaefer on “The Name of Love & Moonfall Reprise” is stunning!
Jetta Juriansz plays the fierce Helena Landless. Helena is sharp and calculating when she needs to be, and kind and supportive when she can be. Juriansz plays her with a captivating energy. She is a spitfire, and she is so fun to watch in this role!
Helena’s brother, Neville Landless, is played by Levin Valayil. Valayil and Juriansz play off of each other incredibly well. They’re very entertaining to watch when paired with each other and create quite a dynamic duo. Valayil is just as strong in his take on Neville as Juriansz’s Helena. A joyous energy underscores much of Valayil’s performance, which works well for the comedic nature of the show. In moments of seriousness, Valayil is controlled and focused, using sharp glances at the audience to still maintain the overarching humor.
Jetta Juriansz and Levin Valayil in Goodspeed’s The Mystery of Edwin Drood
(Diane Sobolewski) |
Lenny Wolpe and Paul Adam Schaefer in Goodspeed’s The Mystery of Edwin Drood
(Diane Sobolewski) |
Paul Slade Smith is rather fun in the role of Reverend Crisparkle. Smith has some good asides as the Reverend, and each comedic line is embodied to its fullest potential. There is an endearing awkwardness to the Reverend, and Smith finds that space in the character well.
Liz McCartney plays Princess Puffer big and boisterous. McCartney’s performance is one of my favorites, as she works the audience incredibly well. Her rendition of “Wages of Sin” was fantastic, with plenty of audience interaction that had patrons cracking up and singing along by the end.
The clown-type character Durdles is played by David Beach, who fills the role with excellent physical comedy and all-around hilarity. From his very first entrance, Beach has the audience laughing.
Marcus Montgomery’s Deputy is delightful, carrying that “clown-in-training” energy throughout the show. Deputy follows in Durdles’ footsteps pretty much everywhere he goes, and Montgomery and Beach have a wonderful dynamic when onstage together.
Jamie LaVerdiere’s Bazzard is another of my favorite performances in the piece. Bazzard is the forever understudy, and LaVerdiere’s “Never the Luck,” is absolutely wonderful. He balances the range of Bazzard well throughout – the big and small moments, the timid and confident, the thrilled and downtrodden – creating a sweet portrayal of the man who is just so very excited when he finally gets to step out into the spotlight.
The ensemble is strong throughout, featuring an array of talented triple threats. I particularly enjoyed Benjamin Howes as Mr. James Throttle, the Stage Manager, as he brought a humorous dryness to the role that played very well. The ensemble also features Jon Cooper, Albert Jennings, Jacqueline Petroccia, Miyuki Miyagi, Jesse Swimm, and Natalie Welch, and the swings for the production are Noah Ruebeck and Megan Arseneau.
Liz McCartney plays Princess Puffer big and boisterous. McCartney’s performance is one of my favorites, as she works the audience incredibly well. Her rendition of “Wages of Sin” was fantastic, with plenty of audience interaction that had patrons cracking up and singing along by the end.
The clown-type character Durdles is played by David Beach, who fills the role with excellent physical comedy and all-around hilarity. From his very first entrance, Beach has the audience laughing.
Marcus Montgomery’s Deputy is delightful, carrying that “clown-in-training” energy throughout the show. Deputy follows in Durdles’ footsteps pretty much everywhere he goes, and Montgomery and Beach have a wonderful dynamic when onstage together.
Jamie LaVerdiere’s Bazzard is another of my favorite performances in the piece. Bazzard is the forever understudy, and LaVerdiere’s “Never the Luck,” is absolutely wonderful. He balances the range of Bazzard well throughout – the big and small moments, the timid and confident, the thrilled and downtrodden – creating a sweet portrayal of the man who is just so very excited when he finally gets to step out into the spotlight.
The ensemble is strong throughout, featuring an array of talented triple threats. I particularly enjoyed Benjamin Howes as Mr. James Throttle, the Stage Manager, as he brought a humorous dryness to the role that played very well. The ensemble also features Jon Cooper, Albert Jennings, Jacqueline Petroccia, Miyuki Miyagi, Jesse Swimm, and Natalie Welch, and the swings for the production are Noah Ruebeck and Megan Arseneau.
The Cast of Goodspeed’s The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Diane Sobolewski)
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Mamie Paris and Levin Valayil in Goodspeed’s The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Diane Sobolewski)
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Scenic design by Ann Beyersdorfer is gorgeous! The production is set within a lavish theatre space, with spiral staircases leading up to box seat playing spaces on both sides of the stage, as well as a grand balcony upstage center that holds the orchestra. Varying drops are also employed throughout the show, with additional furniture and scenic pieces added to set the stage for locations such as the cemetery, Jasper’s dining room, and more.
Lighting designer Rob Denton creates a wonderful world for the show as well, highlighting distinct moments with sharp spotlights and color changes. The additional practical lamps and fixtures built into the set are a nice touch.
Costumes by Hunter Kaczorowski and hair and wig design by Tommy Kurzman are also quite beautiful, with a range of styles depending on the character’s origin, occupation, and station. I enjoyed the colorful patterns of the Landless costumes, the refined styles of Drood, Jasper, and others, and I particularly liked the polka-dotted ensemble costumes brought out for “Off to the Races.”
Sound design by Jay Hilton is well done, with a solid balance between orchestra and actors. The sound effects used throughout are also highly effective.
Lighting designer Rob Denton creates a wonderful world for the show as well, highlighting distinct moments with sharp spotlights and color changes. The additional practical lamps and fixtures built into the set are a nice touch.
Costumes by Hunter Kaczorowski and hair and wig design by Tommy Kurzman are also quite beautiful, with a range of styles depending on the character’s origin, occupation, and station. I enjoyed the colorful patterns of the Landless costumes, the refined styles of Drood, Jasper, and others, and I particularly liked the polka-dotted ensemble costumes brought out for “Off to the Races.”
Sound design by Jay Hilton is well done, with a solid balance between orchestra and actors. The sound effects used throughout are also highly effective.
The Cast of Goodspeed’s The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Diane Sobolewski)
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The Cast of Goodspeed’s The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Diane Sobolewski)
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The Mystery of Edwin Drood is an uproarious evening of first-rate musical comedy with a score that you’ll be humming long after the curtain goes down. Don’t miss your chance to experience the production for yourself– see The Mystery of Edwin Drood at the Goodspeed before it closes on June 2!
The Mystery of Edwin Drood runs April 5-June 2 at The Goodspeed in East Haddam, CT. Tickets are available online at goodspeed.org or by calling the Box Office at (860) 873-8668.
Kiersten Bjork is a theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.
The Mystery of Edwin Drood runs April 5-June 2 at The Goodspeed in East Haddam, CT. Tickets are available online at goodspeed.org or by calling the Box Office at (860) 873-8668.
Kiersten Bjork is a theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.