Vanguard

Issue date: 4/2/07 Section: Fine Arts

Media Credit: McKenzie Forbes / Staff Photographer

USA's theatre and music departments will join to perform the musical comedy "Drood." This production will be directed by Matt Ames. "Drood" will open April 13 at 7:30 p.m.
"Drood" is a play within a play by Rupert Holmes. It begins with the Music Hall Royale, a Victorian musical company, performing their own version of Charles Dicken's unfinished 15th novel, "The Mystery of Edwin Drood."
This mystery novel revolves around John Jasper and his nephew Edwin Drood, who just so happen to be in love with the same woman, Miss Rosa Bud. However, Drood is the lucky one who has the privilege of calling Miss Bud his fiancée. The plot becomes even more interesting when the immigrant Neville Landless arrives and develops an attraction for Miss Bud, as well.
When the three men find themselves at odds with one another, Jasper decides to arrange a little "make-up" dinner. Following the somewhat drunken party, the guests separate and depart angrily. The next morning, Drood has disappeared. After six months, two detectives arrive to solve the mystery.
Just when the cast seems to be ready to reveal the explanation to the mystery, the play comes to a sudden end. This is where Charles Dickens left off in his final novel. Now, the cast opens the play to the audience and allows them to determine the conclusion of the play.
Lee Smith plays the role of John Jasper. Smith refers to the multiple personalities of his character: "one personality is very gentle and kind … the other is crazy and totally obsessed with Rosa." Camille Perillo plays the part of Miss Rosa Bud. Perillo referred to her character as "your general sweetheart … with a little spunk in her."
Perillo speaks of how this production is "like no other show" because there is "not one single plot … but many individual stories that take place that are connected in some way." Perillo also shares her excitement regarding the audience involvement.
"They decide who the killer is, the detective, the secret lovers," she said.
Choreographer for this production, Savannah Garner, spoke about her excitement regarding the production in the Theatre Newsletter. "I can't wait to see how it all comes together," said Garner.
Emily Eubanks, understudy for the part of Miss Rosa Bud, mentioned her hopes for an "excited audience. … The whole spirit of the show depends on the audience."
Eubanks also shared her thoughts about the production in general. "Every other year the musical and theatre departments collaborate to put on a musical. Because of this, we can all really learn from each other," said Eubanks. "The singer can't just focus on singing … the actors can't just focus on acting … we all have to come together and help each other out … and be singers and actors! That's the fun part about musical theatre."

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools