For immediate release: June 29, 1998
Audience to choose murderer in The Mystery of Edwin
Drood
KITCHENER-WATERLOO: In 1870, Charles Dickens began his first mystery novel -
The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Halfway through writing his novel, Dickens died -
taking the solution with him to his grave!
JM Drama presents The Mystery of Edwin Drood at The Waterloo Stage
Theatre from August 11 to 15 at 8 pm. Tickets are $12 and may be obtained by
calling 741-0642 and leaving a message. Seniors and students can buy $10
tickets for the Tuesday, August 11 performance.
For the first time, JM Drama presents its production at the Waterloo
Stage Theatre. With the new location, a reserved seating policy has been
introduced. Call today to reserve the best available seat.
For five nights in August, when you walk into the Waterloo Stage
Theatre you will find yourself magically conveyed to the Music Hall Royale of
1892. The Hall's theatrical company turns Dickens' novel into a musical-comedy.
Audience interaction is an important part of this play within a play. For
example, an audience vote chooses the murderer from seven suspects presented by
the cast. Votes are also taken on a couple other elements of the ending. A
different ending to the play is expected every night.
Rupert Holmes created this musical-comedy based upon Dickens'
unfinished mystery novel. Holmes first achieved fame as a songwriter. His most
famous song is Escape (also known as The Pina Colada Song). The Mystery of
Edwin Drood won the 1985-86 Tony Award for best musical. It also won the Tony
for best book, best score and best orchestrations. New York Times reviewer
Frank Rich commented that "[t]he atmosphere in the theatre becomes as merry as
that of an unchaperoned auditorium of high-school kids ... the company and
audience become united in the joy of theatrical inventions."
Producer Nancy Dahmer held the same role in JM Drama's successful
production of Guys and Dolls last summer. Edwin Drood's director is Peter
Speckner and musical direction is provided by Peter Lehman. All sixteen cast
members live in Waterloo Region.
JM Drama is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 1998. The Mystery of
Edwin Drood promises to uphold JM Drama's reputation as a quality, community
theatre group. A registered charity, JM Drama actively supports the performing
arts in Waterloo Region and performing arts education.
Volunteers required: More volunteers are required to help in a variety of
backstage roles. If interested in helping, leave a message for Nancy Dahmer at
JM Drama. |
