Review: THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD at Star Playhouse At Stage 74

Looking to enjoy an evening of mystery and unpredictability? Then you need to catch Star Playhouse’s production of THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD. Written by Rupert Holmes and based on the unfinished novel by Charles Dickens of the same name, this production is directed by Matt Stashin, with musical direction by Carl J. Ferrara.

This unusual musical mystery does not have one fixed finale. Rather, it is an interactive show where the audience votes on several key plot points leading up to and including the revelation of the murderer. There are over 400 possible endings, making each performance a truly unique experience.

Under Stashin’s direction, the simple yet effective set used projected backdrops to move the story along with minimal set-change interruptions. An experienced director, Stashin knew exactly how to bring out the best in his cast, keep the show’s momentum, and ensure the audience understood the potentially confusing story. With so many potential outcomes, it fell on the director’s shoulders to ensure the cast, crew, and orchestra were prepared for every possibility and that the audience was along for the ride.

Set in the Music Hall Royale, the actors played actors in a troupe playing the characters of the unfinished Dickens story. The Chairman and Mayor Sapsea were brought to life by veteran performer Marc Strauss. Nearly ever-present on stage, he not only conducted the troupe through the action but also guided the audience through the story along the way.

Lindsay Lao’s ethereal soprano was on full display as leading lady Rosa Bud/Deirdre Peregrine. “Moonfall” was absolute perfection as she delivered the emotional and challenging song, sharing every aspect of her vocal prowess.

Joe Hoffman’s rich and distinct voice was perfectly menacing and unforgettable as the quintessential villain, John Jasper/Clive Paget. Intensity and evil poured through him during “Jasper’s Confession”.

You would never know that less than 3 weeks ago, producer and soprano, Karen Santaromita, was thrown into the role of the titular character Edwin Drood/Alice Nutting. The harmony and balance between Santaromita and Lao (Rosa Bud) during “Perfect Strangers” were so beautiful and well-matched that it felt completely natural.

Daniel Bishop as Neville Landless/Victor Grinstead and Amanda Luong as Helena Landless/Janet Conover were convincing as brother and sister. Their affection for their homeland was clear when they sang “Ceylon”.

Denise DeFloria Lardi was fabulously over the top as opium dealing Princess Puffer/Angela Prysock. In “Gardens of Hell”, her emotional lament of becoming the person she is, Lardi delivered a thoughtful and poignant performance.

Costume Designer Joe Kassner outfitted the cast with period and character-appropriate ensembles. From the stunning saree and sarong of Neville and Helena Landless to the multiple impeccably tailored dresses of Rosa Bud, the cast was consistently well-dressed.

Fans of musical comedy and murder mystery will not want to miss this! Playing now through 5/3.

Photo credit: Lisa Schindlar

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