Who killed Edwin Drood? That is for the audience to decide at an upcoming Langham Court Theatre musical.
The Mystery of Edwin Drood is a novel written by Charles Dickens. However, Dickens died before completing the novel or revealing who the murderer was.
The play is set in fictional Cloisterham, England in 1892.
Roger Carr, director of the play, describes it as being extremely dark, yet comical.
“It’s a musical comedy wrapped around a mystery set in 1892,” he said.
When a bloody cloak is found after Edwin Drood disappears on a stormy night, the assumption is that he was murdered. What no one, not even the actors in the play, knows, is who killed him.
During the beginning of Act 2, the play stops completely, at the point where Dickens left off. The audience then gets to vote on the direction of the play.
“All the characters are established, then the chairman turns to the audience and says, ‘you have to give us advice on the path we’re going to follow,’” said Carr.
This occurs four times throughout the performance.
“It’s very much a choose your own adventure,” said Montgomery Bjornson, who portrays two characters in the play. “The actors have to learn five or six different endings depending on what the audience chooses.”
There are opportunities to decide who the murderer is, as well as who falls in love.
“It’s really an interesting piece for the actors to get their heads around to be ready for anything based on whatever the audience is feeling.”
The Mystery of Edwin Drood contains coarse language and suggestive scenes. Audience participation is optional.
The play previews Wed., March 4, opens Thurs., March 5 and runs until Sat., March 21. Preview night tickets are two for $30. Single tickets are $24 for seniors and students and $26 for adults.
To book tickets and for more information, please call 250-384-2142, or go online to langhamtheatre.ca.
