[THE MYSTERY OF] EDWIN DROOD A Musical in 2 Acts, 12 Scenes. Book, music and lyrics by Rupert Holmes. Suggested by the unfinished novel of the same name by Charles Dickens. 0riginally produced Off-Broadway 4 August 1985 at the Delacorte Theatre, Central Park, for 27 performances. Late in the Broadway run the title of the show was altered to DROOD. Original Broadway production produced by the New York Shakespeare Festival, Joseph Papp Producer. Winner of 5 Tony Awards Including Best Musical Imperial Theatre, Broadway 2 December, 1985 - (608 perfs) Savoy Theatre, London 7 May, 1987 Directed by Wilford Leach. Choreography by Graciela Daniele. Scenery by Bob Shaw. Costumes by Lindsay W. Davis. Lighting by Paul Gallo. Sound by Tom Morse. Magic lantern projections by James Cochrane. Orchestrations by Rupert Holmes. Musical direction by Michael Starobin. SYNOPSIS This hilarious musical whodunit was a smash hit on Broadway where it received rave reviews. Loosely based on Charles Dickens' famous unfinished novel, it takes audience participation to new heights by letting them directly effect the play's outcome by voting for whomever they think murdered the unfortunate young Edwin Drood. Presented as a 'first night performance by The Music Hall Royale', a troupe of decidedly hammy Victorian actors, this affectionate recreation of a bygone theatrical age is certain to prove an enormous hit with everyone. The witty and tuneful score contains such numbers as There You Are, Moonfall, Perfect Strangers and Off To The Races STORY Act I At London's Music Hall Royale, preparations are underway for the premiere performance of the resident troupe's version of The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Members of the troupe (who venture out into the seats) explain to audience members the historical details of Dickens's untimely demise, as well as the role the audience will play in determining the outcome of the mystery. From various locations in the theatre, the cast members perform the opening number. The Chairman, a kind of Master of Ceremonies, informs attendees that this is going to be an unusual production, and invites all to be as vulgar and uncivilized as legally possible. With this announcement, the play-within-the-play gets underway. The first Dickens character introduced is the choirmaster John Jasper, a respectable member of society who shares with the audience the fact that he actually suffers from inner torment. Next to be introduced is Jasper's nephew, Edwin Drood (whom the Chairman reveals is being played by the famous male impersonator, Miss Alice Nutting), who discusses his impending arranged marriage with Rosa Bud, as well as his plans to leave for Egypt after the wedding. Drood's fiancée, Rosa Budd, is then introduced at the Nun's House (a ladies' seminary). It is her birthday,
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