‘Drood’s‘ brood gives stellar performance

Joe Delaney

Friday, May 8, 1998 | 9:31 a.m.

"The Mystery Of Edwin Drood," in its second weekend in UNLV's Judy Bayley Theatre, is one of the most enjoyable evenings we've spent in three decades of covering plays on campus. Broadway's "Drood" is the recipient of five Tony Awards including best musical, best book, and best score in addition to nine Drama Desk Awards. Book, music and lyrics are by Rupert Holmes.

Under the expert direction of Dianne Haak Edson and the inspired choreography of Maria Pogee, a large, attractive and talented cast more than do justice to Holmes' work, based upon an unfinished Charles Dickens novel. Michelle Anderson's set design, Ellis Pryce-Jones' costume design and Brackley Frayer's lighting design brings to vivid life the Victorian music hall era.

Keith Corning's sound needed more voice in relation to the orchestra, a first-class 17-member ensemble under the direction of Hal Weller. It may have been a matter of projection on the part of the various singers.

"Drood" is a murder mystery, a play within a play with extensive audience participation. The tribute to the cast, direction and choreography is the total involvement of Thursday's audience, including this critic. There are numerous endings possible, depending upon each audience's response. It's all there: Love, mad obsession, rivals, opium, murder, investigation and an inspired standing-ovation finale.

Curtis C. is outstanding as Chairman William Cartwright, really a host-narrator who keeps things moving at a lively pace. Space permitting, we would list every name in the cast. They richly deserve the acknowledgement. Go see it.

JOE DELANEY is a SUN entertainment critic.