The Mystery of Edwin Drood is the pleasant surprise of the season. I had such a great time tonight! I apologize to anyone who had to hear the Drood medley with which I attempted to serenade the folks on 9th Ave, but this cast had me singing all the way home!
To begin with, two words must be spoken: Betsy Wolfe. Yes this is an ensemble piece, but she nailed Rosa Bud so deliciously I have to single her out first. By the time we got around to Rosa's Confession (she was the murderer) it was too much to handle. I know this isn't her Broadway debut, but it might as well be, because this is her moment to step into the limelight and make a lasting impression. Simply perfect.
Chita is the next one who can line up for a Tony nomination this year. On paper Puffer is an ideal role, and the reality lived up to any expectations and then some. The Wages of Sin was very fun, and of course leading the way with Don't Quit While You're Ahead was only going to stop the show.
Will Chase has had a second blossoming of his career- from Grenade at La MaMa to Pipe Dream at Encores and now this. I've always liked him, but his craft as an actor is SO strong right now. The singing, the acting, all of it.
Jim Norton was an excellent Chairman. Laughs galore, and the string of puns at the end was hilarity. He's a warm presence and holds the piece together so nicely. Without him all the parts would fall apart and be a mess. He makes it feel effortless, but he's working his ass off up there.
Peter Benson comes very, very close from stealing the whole show away from everyone with Never The Luck. I have a huge crush on him now. (Peter, if you need help running lines PM me.)
Gregg Edelman is funny and dopey as the reverend. Loved his goofy faces to the audience, and his aside about what happened to Rosa's mother was great.
Andy Karl and Jessie Mueller were good as Neville and Helena. They have such weird roles, and not as showy as the others, but acquitted themselves nicely.
Finally, Stephanie J Block aka Stop the World: I'm ready to belt is giving the best performance of her career, and yes better than her Reno, which was sublime. She is funny, funny, funny and the notes are all there. Every once and a while she sounded eerily like Buckley. Slight Spoiler**** The best laugh of the night was when she stormed out of the theater after the rest of the cast voted her dead! End Slight Spoiler
The costumes were lavish and the sets were comprised of gorgeous backdrops and a handsome house for Jasper. When Roundabout is willing to spend a little money they really can impress. And lastly Roundabout itself was the biggest surprise. Many, including myself, have given this company a lot of crap over recent years, but this is truly a quality production and one that will restore the faith that was shaken in their patrons. Congrats on a triumph for all involved.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!