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Director: Tyler McMahon
Assistant Director: Aubrey LaLuna
Vocal Director: Jeanne Benson
Choreographer: Thomas McMahon
Based on Charles Dickens’ final unfinished novel, this hilarious whodunit invites the audience to solve its mystery by choosing the identity of the murderer. The tale is presented as a show-within-a-show, as the Music Hall Royale - a delightfully loony Victorian theatre company - presents Dickens’ brooding mystery. Musical numbers include “Perfect Strangers,” “Don’t Quit While You’re Ahead,” “Off To The Races” and “Moonfall.
THERE YOU ARE!
What is The Mystery of Edwin Drood?
The novel The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Charles Dickens is a double mystery. The story is a murder mystery, but one night Dickens put his pen down to go to bed and never woke up. Thus, he never finished the novel and left no notes behind pointing in the direction he was heading with the story.
But over 115 years later, Rupert Holmes, the man behind “Do You Like Pina Coladas?”, took the story and turned it into a musical set within the Victorian era of English Musical Hall shows.
This means, the actors talk directly to the audience, and Drood himself is played by a woman!
The Mystery of Edwin Drood was the Winner of several Tony Awards when it premiered, including Best Musical, Score, and Book!
The actual story: Young Edwin Drood has become betrothed to his childhood best friend, Rosa Bud. However, Rosa has caught the eye of John Jasper, her music teacher, and Edwin’s uncle. She’s also attracted the likes of newly arrived to England, Neville Landless. He and his twin sister, Helena are here under the watch of Reverend Crisparkle, who also has a notion toward Rosa. Jasper is a frequent patron of the opium den run by The Princess Puffer, who secretly watches over Rosa as well. After Christmas dinner is disrupted by arguments, Edwin takes off into the storm. Others go after him but he has disappeared and is presumed murdered. Puffer and Detective Dick Datchery are on the case but everyone has a motive.
But how can this musical solve Dickens' unfinished novel? That’s easy! The audience votes!
That’s right! In this musical the audience votes on who the murderer is, who is secretly playing Dick Datchery, and who the secret lovers are that we didn’t even know existed!
With a possible 44 endings, no show will be the same.
THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD
All those cast in THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD are required to become a KVTA member at some level (minimum $28) by a certain date during the rehearsal process. One parent being a member of KVTA does cover the membership requirement for all family members 17 and under. Subscriptions paid during the 2023-2024 season will also fulfill this requirement. Failure to complete this requirement will result in the cast member being removed from the production.
PERFORMANCE DATES/LOCATION:
February 3, 4, 9 & 10, 2024
KVTA Studios 1 Stuart Dr Kankakee IL 60901
Further questions regarding auditions, callbacks, or casting may be emailed to the Director, Tyler McMahon, at: tyleracts@gmail.com Please include Drood Auditions in the subject line.
AUDITION INFORMATION:
All auditioners must be 16 and older by February 3, 2024. Proof of age may be requested. All auditioners must complete an audition form, a conflict calendar, and sign KVTA's policies acknowledgement form. Cast members are required to provide the following personal items: shoes and socks. In addition, cast members may be asked to supply other items such as: leotards, tights, etc. Optional expenses include: the purchase of show recording, a picture CD, apparel items, production party attendance, cast/staff chill times, etc. PLEASE NOTE: Child care is not available during rehearsals and performances. Cast and staff members are not permitted to bring their children, or any additional family members, to rehearsals. All rehearsals are closed to the public unless otherwise stated.
KVTA Policies: PDF
KVTA Policies Acknowledgement Form to be signed: PDF
All participants, on-stage or off-stage, will be required to sign KVTA's Social Media, Sexual Harassment, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policies. If said participant is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian will sign for the participant. Any parent or guardian signing for their auditioner agrees to instruct and provide information to their auditioner regarding KVTA's policies. An Emergency Card and Waiver of Liability must also be completed and signed in order to participate. These forms will be distributed when you first volunteer with KVTA. If you have any questions please email: kvta@kvta.org
CAST LIST
Thank you all for auditioning. No one made this casting session easy!
We are all extremely excited to start on this mysterious, murderous musical!!
CHAIRMAN - Rob Bishir
DROOD - Mary Schwark
ROSA - Angel Mirkov
JASPER - Caspian Colbert
HELENA - Aisa Rogers
NEVILLE - Paul Bishir
PUFFER - Bonnie Brewer
BAZZARD - Grant Sparenberg
CRISPARKLE - Michael Norkus
DURDLES - Andrew Stephens
DEPUTY - Walter Krause
FLO - Sophia Rice
WENDY - Jordyn Clark
BEATRICE - Kayla Connelly
FEATURED DANCERS - Addison Haag, Amanda Ringler
ENSEMBLE - Emma Day, Heather Day, Hailey Neill, Abigail Van Kley
Thank you,
The Mystery of Edwin Drood Staff
SHOWTIMES
Saturday, February 3 ~ 7:00 PM
Sunday, February 4 ~ 2:00 PM
Friday, February 9 ~ 7:00 PM
Saturday, February 10 ~ 7:00 PM