Incomplete mystery gets fast-paced conclusion at Noble Fool
A rollicking good time is to be had with Noble Fool Theatricals' "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" (or "Drood" for short). That is, if you're willing to follow along with the speedy plot twists and turns and its jumbled play-within-a-play structure.
"Drood" is based upon Charles Dickens' novel of the same name, which was left unfinished at the time of his death. Composer/playwright Rupert Holmes, perhaps most famous for writing the pop hit "Escape (The Piȱa Colada Song)," lets audiences solve the mystery themselves by voting on the murderer in his 1985 Tony Award-winning Broadway musical comedy with a variety of multiple outcomes.
More Coverage Video The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Instead of a straightforward adaptation of the novel, Holmes sets the story within a bawdy English music hall (American vaudeville's much more risquÃcirc;© British cousin). Here the Victorian Theatre Royale actors rotate in and out of Dickens' characters as they perform plot scenes from "Drood" before throwing in non-related specialty numbers like the rousing Act I closer "Off to the Races."
Director/choreographer Kevin Bellie previously staged "Drood" to much critical acclaim in 2005 at Forest Park's tiny Circle Theatre, and it's clear he's relishing the chance to work on a larger scale with Noble Fool.
He's greatly aided by John Horan's hyperactive lighting design, Kimberly G. Morris' lavish Victorian costumes and Peter Storms' adroit musical direction. If there's one quibble to be had, Bellie's staging becomes too cluttered for its own good at times, particularly all the choristers who wander in to do household tasks during musical numbers.
In terms of acting and singing talent, Bellie has gleaned standout performances from all the ensemble members, all of whom look like they're having a ball.
Most impressive is the operatic work of soprano Julie Bayer as the troubled virginal ingenue Rosa Bud. Bayer's diction and range are impeccable, particularly in her duet with Cat Davis' fine male-impersonated take on the title character of Drood.
Presiding over the sometimes chaotic proceedings is Richard Marlatt's affable Chairman, who acts as both the narrator and incontinent Mayor Sapsea. The "Jekyll-and-Hyde" duality of villain John Jasper is neatly captured in Kenneth Z. Kendall's grand performance (murderous red glove and all).
The laughs come fast and furious in "Drood," but only if you're ready and willing to keep pace with all the topsy-turvy proceedings and its veddy British comedy. If you do, you're in for a grand treat.
"The Mystery of Edwin Drood"
3 stars out of four
Location: Noble Fool Theatricals at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles
Times: 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 5 and 8:30 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays; through April 12
Running time: Two hours with intermission
Tickets: $27-$38
Box office: (630) 584-6342
Rating: Bawdy sexual and bathroom humor; opium den drug use