“The Mystery of Edwin Drood” runs Feb. 19-21, 25-27 at Pella Opera House, presented by Central College. The Tony Award-winning musical (best musical, best book and best score) is a re-telling of Charles Dickens’ unfinished novel of the same name. Each audience helps tell a different ending to this murder mystery.
“The Mystery of Edwin Drood”
John Jasper is a troubled choirmaster who desires the fiancée of his nephew, Edwin Drood. When Drood disappears, friends can only speculate as to his fate.
Dickens died before he could finish “The Mystery of Edwin Drood.” At each of performance, actors tell the story up to the point Dickens stopped writing. Then, they invite the audience to choose a solution to the mystery, taking three votes in the second act.
Because the story is open-ended, cast members must rehearse each variation of the plot, said director C.D. Adamson, assistant professor of theatre. With eight leads, there are many possibilities and combinations. “They all want a chance to be the murderer,” Adamson said.
The musical is a play-within-a-play, set in a Victorian theater. Pella Opera House is the perfect location, said Adamson. In keeping with tradition of Victorian music halls, female actress K.E. Daft, a freshman from Clive, plays Edwin Drood. The show is rated PG-13 for some adult situations and language. Above all, Adamson said audiences will enjoy the great music that won “Drood” many awards since its debut in 1985.
Shows are at 7 p.m. Feb. 21 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19-20, 25-27. Tickets are $12 for adults, $9 for senior citizens and students, and free with Central ID. Guests may purchase tickets at Maytag Student Center (641-628-9000), Pella Opera House (641-628-8625) or at the door.
Who: Central College
What: “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” musical
When: 7 p.m. Feb. 21 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19-20, 25-27
Where: Pella Opera House, 611 Franklin Street, Pella
Cost: $12 for adults, $9 for senior citizens and students, and free with Central ID. Purchase tickets at Maytag Student Center (641-628-9000), Pella Opera House (641-628-8625) or at the door.
