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The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?- Page 7

The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?

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MusicalBoy
#150The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?
Posted: 10/28/12 at 3:10pm

As I understand it, Stephanie is hitting a D at the end of 'Writing on the Wall', which means she is a step (I think? Its called a tone in England) down from Betty Buckley who was singing an E.

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lida rose
#151The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?
Posted: 10/28/12 at 7:50pm

i saw it last night and it was delightful, the entire cast was so charming and clearly having a blast. however, as someone who was unfamiliar with the score, i found the majority of the lyrics totally unintelligible, especially when there was more than one person singing. after the opening number i just kind of settled in and accepted it, since i could figure out the gist of what was going on even if i couldn't catch the specifics. i bought the obcr so i can get more familiar with the score (and the much-praised obc performances) and i would love to go back in a couple of months to hopefully see a different set of results, even though i did enjoy last night's outcome.

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Broadway Bob*
#152The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?
Posted: 10/28/12 at 7:57pm

I was there last night as well. Had a BLAST! One of the best evenings I've spent in the theater EVER! Only one of my votes matched the outcome. Chita cracked the rest of the cast up towards the end of the show based on one of the vote outcomes.


<-- Tevye, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, March 2018

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HeyMrMusic
#153The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?
Posted: 10/29/12 at 1:08am

Yes, Stephanie's high note in the finale is a D, a whole step lower than Betty's E.

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henrikegerman
#154The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?
Posted: 10/31/12 at 6:36pm

Caught the matinee today on the $20 offer (thanks BWW, I wouldn't know about it without you!). This is a solid enjoyable production. I especially liked Wolfe, Chase, Mueller (hilarious and miraculously competes with my cherished memories of Schneider, although I enjoyed her other recent NY appearances, this is the one that finally convinces me that she's the real deal), Karl, Edelman, Creighton and Peter Benson, who is a totally winning Bazzard. But the entire cast is great. Chita is not Cleo, but, hell, she's Chita, looks fantastic, and is giving an adorable performance and if her accent frequently fades it hardly matters. Norton does not have Rose's inimitable star quality, but is endearing, deftly funny and has a natural ease and command. The musical's charms come through and if memory servesl the pacing and staging are superior to the original production if the design elements (all solid here) do not quite equal the original's (but that's hardly an insult). Block sings gorgeously and is having a fine time; I find her slightly bland in this role but that's completely subjective and admittedly nitpicky. As has been said, her exit is extraordinary.

I'd be very surprised if the reviews are not very good.

My one big problem is that while the cast, all of whom sing very well, enunciate the dialogue faultlessly, the lyrics are often lost (perhaps they are being drowned out orchestrally). The lyrics of this show are quite good and tricky, in certain scenes are the only way to tell what a character is communicating (Jasper's state of mind in "A Man Could Go Quite Mad" is quite enigmatic if one can't sufficiently make out the words) and it is a shame they often get muddled. But the score itself is even better than I remember.





Updated On: 11/1/12 at 06:36 PM

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best12bars
#155The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?
Posted: 10/31/12 at 7:38pm

Great to read your thoughts, henrik, from someone who saw the original production (as did I).

I'm curious about the "pacing" being better than the original. I saw the show twice in the original run. Once in previews with the full OBC, and once a year later, and the difference was extraordinary. The show was tired, to put it mildly, the second time through. In previews, it ran like clockwork, with the cast humming along and no issues with timing/pacing. And I loved the staging of the original, by both the director and choreographer.

The issue with the lyrics is really unfortunate. I remember understanding every word in the original production, both times. I sat in (roughly) the eighth row the first time and in the balcony the second time. No issues with audio balance or understanding lyrics.

That would be a HUGE shame with this production since, as you point out, the lyrics and score are really good. Especially given today's technology with sound design.

Has that been an issue before in this theatre?


"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
Updated On: 10/31/12 at 07:38 PM

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henrikegerman
#156The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?
Posted: 10/31/12 at 7:53pm

Interesting, best12, and, indeed, I believe I did see the original late in the run.

Miranda3
#157The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?
Posted: 10/31/12 at 8:00pm

Henrik: I saw the original also, several times. When I saw the costume shots here, I noticed that Chita's costume seemed different from Cleo's. Cleo's was very frumpy and comical, with a patchworky fabric pattern and an almost little-old-lady hat. Chita's costume seemed sexier and made out of more luxurious high-end fabric, and Chita's hairstyle seemed more elegant. Is this just meaningless, or is there a slightly different slant to Puffer in this production? I remember John Simon praised Cleo as a "paragon of frumpy deviousness" in this role. Chita's look did not seem frumpy at all.

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Kad
#158The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?
Posted: 10/31/12 at 8:54pm

Chita's Puffer is not at all frumpy, nor devious. She's more.. maternal, I suppose I'd say. A down-on-her-luck matron given a chance to make things right for herself.

I saw the matinee today and thought it was a lot of fun. The main issues I had were already addressed: the sound rendering a lot of the score unintelligible, and the design being too lavish for a supposedly small music hall troupe.

But the performances are down-the-line excellent, and the audience seemed to eat it up.


"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."

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henrikegerman
#159The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?
Posted: 10/31/12 at 9:58pm

I agree with Kad, Miranda.

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bdn223
#160The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?
Posted: 11/1/12 at 11:31am

I was at yesterday's matinee and only went because of the $20 Sandy tickets, received seat row C seat 110 which I was estatic about. The weird thing about it was the fact that when the women at the box office sold it to me, she seemed apologetic about that seat. Later I semi understood why, maybe 5 minutes before the curtain i was basically one of maybe 10 people in the first 5 rows center orchestra, the rest of the orchestra was pretty much filled and I had my row to my self with the exception of a few menmbers of the castof Scandelous, but then 2 minutes before the show began the entire rear mezzanine it seemed was moved into the front 5 rows, which was somewhat annoying.

On the actual show though, I loved it. I will agree did not follow the plot of the actual book very well since the lyrics of the book songs were muddled early on, but after maybe the third song those issues seemed to disappear. If the show is supposed to be about the plot of the Dickens' "The Mystery if Edwin Drood" it Is a mess, but as others who have seen the original and or are older and wiser than than I am, say that it is more about the presentation of the plot and it's English Musicale styling it more than succeeded. If the show is extended through June, I could see Will Chase being a front runner for the Tony.
The audience also seemed to love it to since as soon as the curtain rose nearly half the audience left to their feet, rather than the usual slow obligatory ovation usually given to the show's lead.


Gregg Edelman hinted at the stage door that their extension is dependent of the NYTimes review. Basically implying that if they get a good review from Brantly or Isherwood, Roundabout would announce an extension the November 14th regardless of their advance as of opening night and would just cut the extension short if the advance doesn't build up.


Finally during the show I wondered why Roundabout didn't put The Mystery of Edwin Drood in the Sondheim since they cleary are hoping to extend the show indefinaty and it seems the the perfect house for long runsl. During the show I realized that it's because Studio 54 is the perfect theater at least out of Roundabout's theaters for the show because it looks the part of an English musical or at least compared to its other theaters it does. The Sondhiem is too modern for the show, and would break the illusion of the "Royal Music Hall". I know several people don't like Studio 54 and find it very crampt, but I honestly feel that that is perfect for "The Mystery of Edwin Drood". Anyone else agree?

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newintown
#161The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?
Posted: 11/1/12 at 11:43am

Although it in no way surpasses the original (and rarely matches it), it's a terrifically fun revival. It's the best work I've seen from Block, Chase, and Mueller - perhaps because they aren't taking themselves as seriously as usual.

I think Norton needs to take a tiny bit more time to let his gags land, and maybe get out of the confines of the rehearsal room and open up to the full house. He's doing a smaller, subtler performance than I believe the style demands.

The show runs longer than I remember, and I appreciate the speed at which they take the score.

The reduced orchestrations aren't as horrid to the ear as the usual Roundabout bands, and the players they have are terrific. The design (sets, lights, costumes) is just about perfect.

Most of all, everyone seems to be out to have fun, which is the first requirement of this show. I'd call this easily the Roundabout's most successful home-grown revival.

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henrikegerman
#162The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?
Posted: 11/1/12 at 11:51am

Bdn, we were right behind you yesterday in row D 110 and 112 And I agree the seats though up front and all the way right were just fine.

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doodlenyc
#163The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?
Posted: 11/1/12 at 12:27pm

We had tickets last night and made the performance...which seemed odd considering all that's happened in the past few days, but we had a great time. I was most impressed with Mueller who I hadn't seen before and she practically stole the show, and Norton who kept everything moving beautifully and tirelessly.. I also really liked Wolfe, Karl, Chase and Benson.
My only disappointment was Rivera. I adore her, but she rushed both of her numbers and when she attempted an accent it was really tough to understand her. My favorite number is "Garden Path to Hell" and it felt like a throwaway.

Block was fine and in great voice, but seemed too mannered as Edwin. She came alive as Alice, however, and Writing on the
Wall was thrilling vocally.


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Bialyhoos22
#164The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?
Posted: 11/1/12 at 4:20pm

The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?

While we're on the subject of the different interpretations of Puffer...here's a couple of wonderful rare shots from the '88 national tour starring George Rose and Jean Stapleton as Puffer. Both in this shot and the one in the post below, you can see she's quite a bit different than Cleo (and apparently in performance as well...)

Also featured in this pic are Jana Schneider as Helena, Mark Jacoby as Jasper, John DeLuca as Neville, Ronn Carroll as Bazzard, Teresa De Zarn as Rosa and Tony Azito as Durdles (very different from the Jerome Dempsey mold, though I imagine quite wonderful in his own right!)

Also pictured on the lower left, right next to Jana is a young Kathleen Marshall (who choreographed the tour on behalf of Graciela Danielle)



Updated On: 11/1/12 at 04:20 PM

Bialyhoos22
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CurtainPullDowner
#166The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?
Posted: 11/1/12 at 11:55pm

I'm on the bandwagon that this is one of the most fun shows we have had on the BWay in a while and deserves to be a Big Hit.
I thought the designs were very strong, Louizos' sets are remarkable in that smallish space. and Long (who I felt had gotten lazy lately) has proven me wrong with gorgeous frocks for everyone, The bustles are amazing and deserve their own TONY. Cast wise it's a dream, yes Chita is not very English sounding but who the Hell cares, her voice sounds strong and she holds an audience like no other. (Why not just make her a transported American Actress?). Chase is socko and so is my girl Block, that voice!! Norton acts the role deliciously but could use a little more musical verve, Wolfe is a terrific singer/actress, I would have liked a little more innocence and a lighter soprano but her take certainly works. The ensemble are also a big plus. I got the $20 Sandy Special and was moved to the second row center right near Maxie Van E. Thanks for the deal Roundabout and I will return and tell friends to see this.

P.S. Andy Karl is certainly turning out to be one of our more comical versitile Musical Actors, it would be fun to see him remembered at Award time. I know Mueller is very talented but she didn't win me over as Cinderella (miscast) and I didn't see OACDYCSF, Here she gets laughs and sings great, but I could use a little less mugging and more daffiness. I think a better role will come for her, but she surely holds her own with this stellar cast.
Benson is also damed cute and winning. Updated On: 11/2/12 at 11:55 PM

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HeyMrMusic
#167The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?
Posted: 11/2/12 at 1:59am

It took me a little bit to figure out what OACDYCSF was... The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?

I've always been a fan of Louizos. The sets here are top-notch and deserve some major recognition.

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ChairinMain
#168The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?
Posted: 11/2/12 at 3:23am

Andy Karl's Eyebrow in this show deserves a tony category all on it's own. Best performance by a facial feature. It can compete with Jessica Chastain's cheekbones and The Stache in Peter and the Starcatcher. He is doing MASTERFUL work in a frankly underwritten role.





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best12bars
#169The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?
Posted: 11/2/12 at 3:48am

I haven't seen the revival with all of the script changes made since it's original run, but one of the comments I keep reading here has to do with how "trivial" the actual plot of Dickens' story is ... the "show within the show," if you will.

While it wasn't always front and center by any means, I didn't find this issue nearly as apparent in the original, and part of that reason was because the ending of the first act was all about the Dickens plot ... "The Name of Love/Moonfall." That's what audiences were left with during intermission, not "Off To the Races," which has nothing to do with anything other than "fun."

The focus was clearly on the "mystery" and what was happening and would happen in the original structure of the musical. Act Two picked up with the introduction of Datchery "Settling Up the Score" and more continuation of the Dickens plot.

To me, it sounds like some of these major script changes (made over the years) have been for the worse.

EDIT: Bialyhoos22 --- I saw both actors you speak of play Durdles: Jerome Dempsey with the full OBC, who was terrific. He was also out in the audience talking to my section before the show began. The second time I saw it, Tony Azito was playing the role, and while completely different, he still was highly entertaining. He had been a key performer in Wilford Leach's production of The Pirates of Penzance, so he incorporated a lot of his "double-jointed" eccentric movements into bits of action, etc., which was fully in line with the Music Hall approach to the show.


"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
Updated On: 11/2/12 at 03:48 AM

Bialyhoos22
#170The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?
Posted: 11/2/12 at 4:05am

best12, I completely agree with your assessment. Perhaps that IS the key difference between this superb revival and the inimitable original - that the original did indeed place more emphasis on Dickens story than the music hall antics. To be sure, there were no shortage of brilliant antics in the original (some of which haven't even begun to be approached in this revival) but the position of Name of Love/Moonfall Reprise does definitely shift focus. Particularly when it comes in Act Two literally minutes before Don't Quit While Your Ahead (more music hall antics!) amps up and the story halts for 'The Solution' and the audience interaction.

Barring this, I do think many of Holmes libretto tweaks have been for the better. The Roundabout is clearly using a hybrid of the Broadway version and the London/88 Tour - though it seems to tip closer to the Broadway version. I actually love Act Two opening with An English Music Hall (far better than England Reigns). It was a weak opening number at the Delacorte for the top of the show, but here, seems really delightful as an Entr'acte of sorts.

Thank you too for offering your thoughts on Azito -- I loved his indelible contributions to Leach's Pirates...I figured he must have added his kinetic, rubbery-limbed shtick to the part...

As much as I love Louizos' set designs for Drood, there was something that felt a little more authentically 'English' about Bob Shaw's original...the whole thing felt like a Victorian picture book come to life (especially with Lindsay W Davis' costumes). Fun fact - the original Broadway scenery actually existed up until a few years ago over at the now-defunct Santa Barbara CLO (aka The Set Company). I heard most of it ended up in the trash, with the exception of a few soft goods (drops).






Updated On: 11/2/12 at 04:05 AM

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henrikegerman
#171The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?
Posted: 11/2/12 at 7:46am

I disagree. I think shifting focus to the presentation of the mystery from the mystery itself is a major improvement. I have never read the story but it strikes me as a stock, serviceable and possibly enjoyable mystery but without any of dramatic Dickensian gold. Off to the Races is a rousing first act ending.

For this show to really work - as it does in the revival- "who did it" (who really cares?) is far less important than how much fun the company and the audience are together having unraveling it. The revival unself-consciously (or rather glibly self-consciously) understands that.

Don't get me wrong. The original production was in many respects superior (often in comparison to elements of the new production that are nonetheless wonderful in their own right). Still, in other respects, the revival is superior. Updated On: 11/2/12 at 07:46 AM

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ChairinMain
#172The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?
Posted: 11/2/12 at 3:07pm

I'm in favor of the change, but for a different reason. If you close the first act with a dramatic confrontation, you want to see it resolved in act two, and in the original version, Rosa pretty much disappears in the second act except for a short scene with Puffer or if she's selected the Murderer. The driving force of the Act One "plot" is who will win Rosa Budd, and unless she's a murderer or lover, that question is never answered. At least in the revival, she and Drood have a moment of reconciliation during "Writing on The Wall" (though I presume this is cut if she is the murderer/lover). So ending the first act with a focus on the entire cast except on two characters actually helps the show's focus.

A side issue, but I do think the Moonfall reprise is a little mis-staged; the chorus should be offstage voices rather than standing in the background.

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Kad
#173The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?
Posted: 11/2/12 at 3:18pm

Also, Dickens apparently told quite a few who asked about his work-in-progress that Jasper was the killer. The show actually adds in more clues/red herrings to make other options feasible.


"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."

beaemma
#174The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?
Posted: 11/2/12 at 8:55pm

Dickens left behind notes for the rest of the book, and they also suggest that Jasper would be the culprit. The book is not really a very well constructed mystery. To me, it's similar to a typical Dickens novel with a mystery as one of the plot elements. The musical, which I saw and loved four times, definitely does quite a lot to make it a true whodunit. I'm excited to be seeing the revival in a week.