I have always regarded myself as a super sleuth so it was
with relish that I found myself in the audience of OnStage Theatre and Turning
Tydes production of “The Mystery of
Edwin Drood” or ‘who slew Edwin Drood’? For those not in the know, “Drood” was
the last and unfinished novel that Charles Dickens wrote before his
unexpected death.
Rupert Holmes, not to be confused with the Sherlock of the
same name, came on to the scene in 1985. The musical ‘Drood’ debuted at the New
York Shakespeare Festival and later transferred to Broadway where it ran for
two years. The musical, “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” was revived in 2012 at the
Roundabout Theatre Company.
 |
| Chairman Georgia Ladd and cast |
Holmes, who took home two Tony Awards for his busy little romp, is the culprit who came up with the idea to write a ‘musical mystery’ (along
the lines of Mystery Theatre, and Dance Hall shenanigans), and turn Dickens’
book into a musical comedy; a who-dunit stunt and a ‘play within a play that
all takes place in a 19th century music hall (Alex Bezdeka and
Jordan Hall Campbell). Here the characters step out of character as the dance hall
entertainers and step into the characters in Dickens’ play as characterized by the author.
It’s a study in turn on a dime characters, most taking on at least two roles in a faster than the speed of light costume changes (Summer Blinco and Andrea Pulliam) and all having some real chops to sing the more than dozen musical numbers. A fun one to watch “Off To The Races” is for a belly laugh with the whole company involved.
I case you might not know Dickens’
“The Mystery of Edwin Drew” let me tell you that it's OK. It is a convoluted mess with
so many twists and turns that you should thank your lucky stars Holmes
turned it into a dancehall musical while keeping the characters and the story
intact. It's an easy way to know the story without reading it. He just put a different spin, some might call it a gimmick, adding the
play within a play and music (for this production pre -recorded and
directed by by Jordan Hall Campbell who was also in the choir of “Hunchback” at
The La Jolla Playhouse) to add more entertainment value to the author's work.
 |
| Cast of "Mystery of Edwin Drood at OnStage Playhouse |
Leave it up to the smaller theatre’s, like the ‘little engine
that could’ and OnStage Playhouse that keep chugging until they make it round
the bend to produce a large show on a rather limited stage (costume changes
were done in the theatre’s lobby) with an eighteen member cast and pull it off
with flying colors.
Much to my surprise, having never seen this show, I was taken
in immediately as the cast mingled throughout the audience encouraging them to
take their seats, welcoming them to the ‘Theatre Royal’ and that a performance will
soon begin. Some promoted themselves (don’t forget, there is voting at the end)
and others just getting a bit cozy with everyone whose eye they caught.
Band Roll!- Da ta da da -and our Chairperson (a charming,
appealing and direct Georgia Ladd) steps out from behind her podium (“There You
Are”) and were off to the races.
 |
| Jordan Hall Campbell, Tyler C. Jiles and Jacob Painter |
The characters are introduced and leading among them is Rose
Bud (Summer Blinco who has a simply astonishingly wonderful voice) as the
almost naïve fiancée engaged to Drood (Jordan Hall Campbell) who has been
mysteriously murdered and missing for two months. Blinco’s turn with her contemporaries in Act I and their
wonderful “Moonlight Quartet” is a showstopper.
Tyler C. Jiles (“Hunchback of Notre Dame at Moonlight) is
John Jasper the leading character and uncle of Drood. As the mover and shaker he is the suave, angry
and the evil- minded music teacher/ drug addict and Drood’s major rival. Check out his voice as well.
He too is in love with Rose Bud, his student. He is a complete standout and pretty
attractive as evil goes, and rises to the occasion at every turn. Love his
handlebar mustache.
Kat Fitzpatrick is a
hoot and a howl and one of my favorite characters, in a role starring Chita
Rivara on Broadway, as the opium dealing Princess Puffer. No spoilers here, but
do keep your eyes out for her. (“The Wages of Sin”, “Don’t Quit When You’re
Ahead” and “The Garden Path”) She is simply a hoot.
Included in the list of folks to be watched are the Landless
Twins (Jacob Painter as Neville and Kaitlyn Summers as Helena). They are from
Ceylon or some far off country and are mysterious characters from beginning to
end, but fun to see as they weave their way into the story.
Again, no spoilers here but beware of the vicar (Patrick
O’Connor) acting holier than thou and oft times pompous and slimy. Keep yours eyes
out for him.
Unfortunately I voted for Allan Hopkins’ as the Durdles character
because as the drunkard sexton and off in the background as part of the
ensemble I thought he might be up to no good. Sleuth status reduced.
Hats off to director Alex Bezdeka for reigning in her large
cast and assembling a very talented company. Most of members take part in audience
participation and create the overall dancehall atmosphere needed to breathe
life into this large production. Overall not a weak link.
The leads singers, dancers (Candace Carbajal) most of whom I
had never seen before bring home the bacon in this rather bloated story of
romance, mystery, mayhem and music. It runs a bit over two hours with
intermission.
 |
| Theatre Poster |
That leaves one unfinished piece of business. The body of
Edwin Drood was never found. Hmmmmmmmm.
Do see it. Two thumbs up for a frolicking and rousing evening
of theatre.
See you at the theatre.
Dates: Through Dec. 8th
Organization: OnStage Playhouse
Phone: 619-422-7787
Production Type: Musical
Where: 291 Third Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91912
Ticket Prices: $25.00
Web: onstageplayhouse.com
Photo: Daren Scott
No comments:
Post a Comment