The Mystery of Edwin Drood

The Mystery of Edwin Drood

directed by Priscilla Busher
Musical Director: Matt Austin
Audition: January 2008 - Sat 5 & Sun 6 - by appointment
Season: May/June 2008

The Mystery of Edwin Drood is a musical (by Rupert Holmes, famous for the "pina colada" song) which is based on the unfinished novel by Charles Dickens of the same name.

This wildly warm-hearted theatrical experience kicks off when the Music Hall Royale
(a Victorian musical troupe) "puts on" its rendition of the unifinished Dickens mystery.
The story itself deals with John Jasper, a Jeckyll-and-Hyde choirmaster who is madly in love with his music student Miss Rosa Bud who, in turn, is engaged to Jasper's nephew, the young Edwin Drood.

When Drood disappears one Christmas Eve, suspicions arise: Was Edwin Drood murdered? And, if so, then whodunnit?

Decades before Australian Idol, The Mystery of Edwin Drood puts the audiences in the driver's seat; when they vote on the murderer, they choose the ending performed
each night!

Cast required: (the characters in italics refer to the character this person plays in the Mystery of Edwin Drood)

Mr. William Cartwright/Mayor Sapsea
(Chairman of the Music Hall Royale)
30-70 Baritone

Master Nick Cricker/Deputy
(the stonemasons assistant. Comedic)
12-25 Tenor

Mr. Nick Cricker/Durdles
(the drunken stonemason. Comedic)
24-65 Tenor

Miss Alice Nutting/Edwin Drood
(a male impersonator)
16-35 Mezzo

Miss Janet Conover/Helena Landless
(a mysterious young women from Ceylon with an Eastern accent)
20-35 Mezzo

Mr. Clive Paget/John Jasper
(the villain)
25-45 Tenor

Mr. Victor Grinstead/Neville Landless
(Helena’s brother)
20-35 Baritone

Mr. Philip Bax/Bazzard
(Jaspers understudy)
16-40 Tenor

Miss Deirdre Peregrine/Rosa Bud
16-35 Soprano

Miss Angela Prysock/The Princess Puffer
35-55 Alto

Mr. Cedric Moncrieffe/The Reverend Crisparkle
40-70 Tenor

There is also a small chorus, which features many cameoroles, such as dancers, townspeople, servants, etc.
Ages are suggestions only and many of the roles such as Deputy, Bazzard and
The Princess Puffer can be played by either a male or a female.

If you would like to find out more, arrange an audition time, or wish to look at a script or c.d. please contact Priscilla on 0429 988 591 or at kitchensinclare@hotmail.com