The ending when it was filmed was Helena Datchery, Neville as murderer, and...I believe Puffer and Deputy as the lovers, but I might be wrong about the lovers.
To he who said that anyone who wanted to get a ticket to this show would have no trouble - alas not the case. A few friends and I were in NYC this Saturday, and decided on a whim (since I'd heard such good things about this show here) to see it for the Saturday matinee. When we turned up at the box office around noon, however, we were told that their system was down and we couldn't buy tickets. We were given a business card with a number to call, and told to try coming back later. No fewer than half a dozen other folks came in while we were standing outside the theater, and I presume they had the same trouble.
Unfortunately, the number was always busy, tickets were unavailable online, and when we tried back at 1 the issue was still not resolved - and we didn't want to lose our chance to see something on Broadway, so, we went to see Cat instead. Ciaran Hinds impressed, but we wished we could have seen Drood.
Ah well; we tried! And I hope those who were able to attend the showing enjoyed themselves.
But that wasn't due to the show being sold out, but due a technical glitch.
But I'm sorry -- I'm sure you would have enjoyed it.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
Just home from seeing the final show. The house was pretty packed, not sold out, but only edge seats available.
Incredibly fun show today, with lots of laughter from the audience, which seemed to be comprised of many repeat offenders who anticipated the jokes and laughed at the subtleties. This was my 5th time as I adore the show and have a teenaged daughter who is Drood obsessed. I was more than happy to oblige her since I have loved the show since its origins in the 80s.
Scott Ellis, director, spoke after the curtain, almost in tears, then introduced a teary Rupert Holmes. Scott gave nods to the cast, saying 75% of getting a show right is in the casting. He or Rupert also recognized the second line for their ability to step in at a moment's notice to another role, and remarked that being chosen as either Datchery, murderer or one of the lovers as an understudy was a testament to their acting prowess.
I am so sorry to see this show go but I am happy to have experienced it with my daughter. It is brilliant theater, clever, poetic, pretty and fun. I hope the show is recognized for its specialness by the awards, but even if it isn't, WE know it was just the absolute best! Jenna and I will miss everyone that we became to feel acquainted with!
Saw the show last Sunday-- absolutely terrific and fully the equal of the original show back in 1985! And yes, Stephanie Block was a brilliant Drood, every bit in the same league as the glorious Betty Buckley in her prime. The most entertaining 2 1/2 hours I can remember spending in a Broadway theater since ... Anything Goes. Fine work, Roundabout!
So sad to see this go. I don't really want to waste anyone's life reading my rambling about how much I'll miss this show, but I do want to say today was a really magical performance and the curtain speeches didn't leave a dry eye in the house. Scott Ellis, none of us were ready for it to go. <3
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
Bazzard (Peter Benson) was Datchery, Princess Puffer (Chita Rivera) was the murderer, and Jasper (Will Chase) and Helena (Jessie Mueller) were the lovers.
Kelly2, would love to oblige your rambling! Please share....if not here, where?
I think this incredibly talented cast really worked hard to become both sets of characters in the show. The greatest thing about it, I thought, was that everyone on stage performed every second. It wasn't just spotlight performances, but all the players played the whole time. My daughter actually pointed that out, because, as a child with autism, she obsesses on the things most people don't notice: during Moonfall, the girls on the bench sewing and reading and their reaction to the lyrics...like that. The script is beyond clever, so intelligent, especially if you know Dickens and British history. The songs, the score, the rhythms and themes, all wonderful. And I love how so many people became fans of the show. The sad thing is that so many other people won't get to see it.
I hope this production isn't forgotten come Tony time. It certainly deserves to be represented across all categories. The design was incredible, orchestrations fresh and crisp, incredible acting and direction and choreography, etc.
