Field Guide
To the Educators, Students, Actors, Directors, Designers, and any Art Advocate that may find themselves exploring this Field Guide: Welcome to The Mystery of Edwin Drood Field Guide presented by The Playhouse San Antonio! Here at The Playhouse San Antonio our mission is to produce high quality live theatre that inspires, educates, and entertains audiences of all ages. Our passion is to connect our community to the world at large by telling stories that reveal the truth of the human experience. In the spirit of this mission, we offer our audiences the opportunity to continue their experience at the theater by providing events and interactive resources like this Field Guide. Its purpose can function in many ways—in the classroom, as a series of activities, a resource to artists, and a behind the scenes glance into this amazing, venturesome production. We suggest exploring the guide both before and after attending The Playhouse’s production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, running Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. from May 29 - June 21, 2015. The Playhouse is proud to be hosting an Education Night for students on June 21! Thanks to the support of Bexar County General Funds, the evening’s tickets are fully underwritten. If you have any questions or would like to participate in an education night with your school, contact Christina Casella at ccasella@theplayhousesa.org. Finally, The Mystery of Edwin Drood contains adult themes . Please use discretion when utilizing this field guide with students under the age of 18. Thank you and enjoy!
Open Letter to Intern hopefuls To all future Playhouse Interns, I am writing on behalf of your forthcoming success, wherever and whatever it will be. It is ok if you do not know where your future will lead. I honestly do not know where mine will go‌ Who does? All I do know is that The Playhouse will take part in my success, as it will take part in yours. I remember my first day of interning at The Playhouse. I had signed up to be a Conservatory intern. I remember being nervous about the people I would meet there. I was also scared because I did not know if I was adequate enough to take this sort of position. However, when I walked inside the building, I was greeted by the kindest people, and I could not wait until the next day to be at The Playhouse. I have had countless opportunities with The Playhouse. I have done live art, painted sets, watched beautiful shows, and made college visits. Because of The Playhouse, I know which university I want to go to and I have been encouraged by cast members of touring Broadway shows to follow my dreams. Not only are the opportunities given amazing, but so is the overall experience at The Playhouse. My experience at The Playhouse has been tremendous. At The Playhouse, I love what I do and love going there every week. Yes, sometimes the work gets chaotic, but it is always chaotic in an arts setting; and that is what I love so much about this internship. There is always beauty to come from chaos. I have grown as a performer and a professional being an intern at The Playhouse, and I am so thankful for the experiences I’ve had and the many more to come. One of my favorite things I have learned comes from Christina Casella, Education and Outreach Director. She always tells us to define our own success, which is so comforting to me. With that simple quote, I do not feel rushed on my road to success, and I know that others should not define the success meant for me. Another thing I have learned at The Playhouse is to let go of fear. You will get nowhere if you let fear dictate your life. More opportunities will arise when you have confidence in yourself. Never compare yourself to anyone. You are talented and deserve to learn more about what you love. In conclusion, I would encourage you work your hardest as you intern at The Playhouse. Work your hardest when you leave The Playhouse. There are great rewards for those who are good stewards of their talents, so keep pressing forward towards your precious goals! Best of wishes, Amy Mireles
A Look from the Inside Amy Mireles has worked all over The Playhouse. She has helped build sets, worked with the students in Conservatory, volunteered at our events, and participated in countless Tribe events. This entry discusses her first time appearing on stage at The Playhouse! Getting the call saying I was going to be in The Mystery of Edwin Drood was extremely exciting. I almost cried. I waited in anticipation to see whom I would share the stage with. Finally, I saw the list of my Drood Family. It seemed like an eternity to wait for our first rehearsal. My level of excitement was ridiculous. Finally, it came. I have not been in a musical since my freshman year of high school. I am now in my freshman year of college. I wondered how I would survive the music rehearsals, since reading music is like a foreign language to me. Let’s also keep in mind another challenging element of musical theatre, which is choreography. It is terrifying when you know there are professionals amongst you, but when I attended my first rehearsal, I made friends immediately. Then came our first music rehearsal. Surprisingly, I wasn’t that lost. My fellow cast mates were more than happy to help. In the first choreography rehearsal, I fell flat on my booty while trying to do a jazz square. Yet, the choreography rehearsals are immensely fun. It is amazing how a cast of people you do not know can be so supportive like a family. It is a gift to be in your first Playhouse show. The work is all going to be worth it. I cannot wait to experience the rest of this rehearsal process and run of the show. I am going to learn much more amazing things, and to learn with these amazing people who are in the cast and crew is truly an honor. “Sing out, there’s more in store for me!”
Meet The directors
William McCrary is an Associate Professor and the Director of Lyric Theatre at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He holds degrees from the University of Montana (Bachelor of Music, ‘85), San Francisco State University (Master of Music, ‘91), and The University of Northern Colorado (Doctor of Arts in Music, ‘97). McCrary has directed and performed in musicals and operas in California, Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, and Texas. He is a recipient of the 2012 San Antonio Conservation Society’s Hero Award and in 2013, Bill and his wife, Michelle, were honored by the Alamo Theatre Arts Council with the Jasmina Wellinghoff Award for their contributions to San Antonio area theatre. While attending school at the University of Montana, McCrary was an active performer with the Missoula Children’s Theatre. Upon graduation he toured the entire U.S. as an actor/director with the famed children’s theatre company. Using the MCT model as his inspiration, McCrary created his own touring program at UTSA to introduce young audiences to opera. For the past 11 years the UTSA Opera on the Run program has performed for over 150,000 Texas youth and this spring, the program will travel to Edinburg, Texas. In 2015, McCrary earned both The Distinguished Alumnus Award from The University of California at Davis and the UTSA President’s Distinguished Achievement Award for Community Service for this unique and inspiring program. Bill is the proud husband of the extremely talented Michelle Pietri. The two are blessed with three beautiful and talented children – Tess, Liam, and Everett.
The Mystery of Edwin Drood SYNOPSIS At London's Music Hall Royale, preparations are underway for the premiere performance of the resident troupe's version of The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Members of the troupe explain to audience members the historical details of Dickens' untimely demise, as well as the role the audience will play in determining the outcome of the mystery. The Chairman, a kind of Master of Ceremonies, informs attendees that this is going to be an unusual production, and invites all to be as "vulgar and uncivilized as legally possible." The first Dickens’ character introduced is the choirmaster John Jasper, a "respectable" member of society who shares with the audience the fact that he actually suffers from inner torment. Next to be introduced is Jasper's nephew, Edwin Drood, who discusses his impending arranged marriage with Rosa Bud, as well as his plans to leave for Egypt after the wedding. Drood's fiancée, Rosa Bud, is then introduced at the "Nun's House". Then, two orphans from Ceylon, Neville and Helena Landless, enter with the Reverend Crisparkle. After Rosa faints from the lustful lyrics of Jasper's song, Helena comes to her aid while Neville displays an attraction to Rosa. Next to introduce herself is the Princess Puffer, the madam of an opium den. We see that respectable Jasper is himself a customer of the den, and, as he dreams of Drood and Rosa, Puffer reacts when she hears Rosa's name. Back in Cloisterham, the gravedigger Durdles and his Deputy enter to discuss a newly completed tomb for the wife of Mayor Thomas Sapsea. It is announced that the actor playing Sapsea is too drunk to perform, so the Chairman himself takes over the role. The following day, Rev. Crisparkle introduces Drood to the Landless twins. When Drood shares his plan to pave a desert highway with stones from the Egyptian pyramids, he offends his new rival Neville and his sister, the three then proceed to argue. When Jasper enters with Mayor Sapsea, he points out to the mayor that everything is not always what it seems. The Chairman/Mayor Sapsea, confused by his dual roles, agrees. Jasper sneaks around the cemetery, where he obtains a key to Mrs. Sapsea's tomb. Afterwards, Edwin and Rosa reveal that they both have strong misgivings about their upcoming nuptials and decide to break off their wedding plans but not tell anyone until after the Christmas holiday. At Jasper's home, the major players join together to celebrate Christmas dinner, but all is not jolly as the rivalries and dark motivations of all are revealed. Drood and Neville head out to the river as the others depart, and Jasper offers his topcoat to Drood. The following day Drood has disappeared, and Crisparkle's assistant Bazzard has found Jasper's coat torn and bloodied. Drood is presumed murdered, and Neville is the chief suspect. Jasper sinisterly declares his passions to Rosa, who angrily rebuffs him. Six months later, Edwin Drood is still missing. Princess Puffer and a stranger, Dick Datchery, arrive to investigate the mystery of Edwin's disappearance. At this moment, the Chairman returns with Dudles and his Deputy to remind the audience to pay attention to the clues. This is as far as Dickens got before he died. It is now time for the audience to decide how the story ends. First, it must be determined whether Edwin is actually dead or not. It turns out that Alice Nutting, female impersonator, has been wearing the Datchery costume in order to fulfil her contract to appear in two acts of the play—but are Datchery and Drood one and the same? The cast votes unanimously that Drood is, indeed, dead. The audience votes for a new Datchery by applause, and the actor chosen goes to make a costume change for the finale. Next to be determined is the murderer. The Chairman runs down the list of possible murderers and their motives for the crime. The audience is asked to vote by "districts" for the killer, and while the votes are tallied the audience is led to the resolution of the Mystery. Puffer finds Rosa and reveals that, years before, she had been Rosa's nanny. She continues with her revelation and reveals the identity of Datchery. Jasper soon admits that he strangled his nephew while in a laudanum haze. Durdles the gravedigger, however, disagrees; he witnessed the crime and knows who truly killed Edwin Drood. The murderer confesses, then sings a reprise of one of several numbers to admit his or her culpability. Still, a happy ending is needed, and The Chairman asks the audience to choose two lovers from among the remaining cast members. Just then, there comes a noise from the crypt, and a very-much-alive Edwin Drood appears, ready to tell all what really happened on the night of his disappearance.
The Life and Times of Charles Dickens THE LIFE AND TIMES OF CHARLES DICKENS
1812: Born on February 7 to John and Elizabeth Dickens.
1830: Dickens meets Maria Beadnell, his first love interest.
1833: The relationship with Maria Beadnell ends. A Dinner at Poplar Walk is published.
1834: Begins using the pseudonym “Boz“. Meets his future wife, Catherine Hogarth.
1836: Marries Catherine Hogarth. Charles Dickens Dreams by Robert William Buss
1837: The first of his 10 children, Charles Culliford Boz Dickens, is born. The publication of Oliver Twist begins.
1838: Publication of Nicholas Nickleby begins.
1842—1843: A Christmas Carol is published.
1848: Dickens’ sister, Fanny, dies. The Haunted Man, his last Christmas book, is published.
1849: The publication of David Copperfield begins.
1851: Catherine Dickens suffers a nervous collapse.
1853: Dickens gives his first public reading of one of his works.
1858: Dickens separates from Catherine, his wife.
1859: A Tale of Two Cities is published.
1860: Publication of Great Expectations begins in All the Year Round, a literary magazine.
1867: Dickens tours America for the second time.
1869: Dickens begins writing The Mystery of Edwin Drood.
1870: Dickens gives his final public reading. Publication of The Mystery of Edwin Drood begins. Charles Dickens dies at Gad’s Hill Place on June 9.
The Suspects & Motives John Jasper- Jasper was madly in love with Rosa Bud, and his violent split personality gladly killed Drood. His confession is a reprise of "A Man Could Go Quite Mad" and "Moonfall.” Rosa Bud- Meant to kill Jasper in revenge for his lustful advances, but killed Drood by accident as Drood was wearing Jasper's coat. Her confession is a reprise of "A Man Could Go Quite Mad" and "No Good Can Come From Bad.” Neville Landless- Humiliated by Drood, Neville murdered him in order to regain his pride and also to have a chance with Rosa Bud. His confession is a reprise of "A British Subject.” Helena Landless- Knowing her brother's hot temper, Helena murdered Drood so Neville would not be tempted to seek revenge. Her confession is a reprise of "A British Subject.” Princess Puffer- Intended to kill Jasper in order to protect Rosa from his advances, but accidentally killed Drood because he was wearing Jasper's coat. Her confession is a reprise of "The Wages of Sin.” The Rev. Mr. Crisparkle- Crisparkle was madly in love with Rosa's mother, and he saw Rosa as a reincarnation of her. He murdered Drood so that he could marry Rosa, thinking her to be the woman he loved. His confession is a reprise of "A British Subject.” Bazzard - In an effort to boost his role in the show, murders Drood. This is definitely the most metatheatrical of the endings. His confession is a reprise of "A Man Could Go Quite Mad" and "Never the Luck.” Durdles- After Jasper laid Drood in the crypt, Durdles believed the still-alive Drood to be a ghost and so smashed his head in. (Even Durdles admits the silliness of this motive within his solo, but laments that because he has been chosen he must have one.) His confession is a reprise of "Off to the Races.”
FROM PAGE TO SCREEN TO STAGE
The Mystery of Edwin Drood began publishing in 1870.
1870: The first attempt to complete the novel was made by Robert Henry Newell, published under the pen name Orpheus C. Kerr, and was as much a parody as a continuation.
1871–1872: The second ending was written by Henry Morford, a New York journalist.
1873: Thomas James, published a third version which he claimed had been literally 'ghost-written' by him channeling Dickens's spirit.
1914: John Jasper stood ‘trial’ Chapman and Hall Book Cover for the murder of Edwin Drood in London. The "trial" was organized by the Dickens Fellowship. G. K. Chesterton was the judge, while George Bernard Shaw was the foreman of the jury, compromised of other authors. J. Cuming Walters was the author of The Complete Edwin Drood.
1935: The Mystery of Edwin Drood was released by Universal Pictures.
The Mystery of Edwin Drood the Musical
1935 Film Poster
1953: The Suspense radio program aired a two-part adaptation of The Mystery of Edwin Drood
1980: The Decoding of Edwin Drood by Charles Forsyte was published.
1986: The Mystery of Edwin Drood the musical premiered, but re-titled halfway through its original run to simply Drood.
2012: A London revival was staged.
2012: Roundabout Theatre Company revival starring Stephanie J. Block opened.
DESIGNING EDWIN DROOD Steve's career began 45 years ago at Timber Lake Playhouse in Mt. Carroll, Illinois. Today, he and his wife, Sam Carter Gilliam, collaborate as a husband and wife theatrical design team (SLG Design & Creative Talent) with designs throughout the United States. Recent work includes designs for SeaWorld's Pets Ahoy; three national Broadway tours of Fiddler on the Roof, 2000-2003, 2009-2010, and 2010-2013 starring Topol, Harvey Feinstein, John Preece, and Theodore Bikel; and Cannery Row Capers, a Sea Lion, Walrus, and Otter Show at SeaWorld. They also provided art direction for Trendmasters' New York Toy Fair; Legoland Theme Park in San Diego; and designs for 20 seasons at the St. Louis MUNY, America's largest outdoor theater seating 11,000. The Gilliams have design credits with Chicago's Light Opera Works, Georgia's Springer Opera House, Six Flags Theme Parks, Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Kansas City Starlight Theatre, Opryland Theme Park, Village Theatre in Seattle, Hong Kong Singers, Baltimore's Cockpit-In-Court, ARTS San Antonio, and Texas State Aquarium. A member of the United Scenic Artists, Local 829, Mr. Gilliam celebrated his 20th Season as a resident scenic designer for the MUNY in St. Louis, retiring in 2013 and having designed 73 shows enjoyed by over 4 million theatre goers. A member of the faculty since 1981, Steve retired from Trinity University in 2012 having taught 30 years to outstandingly creative and challenging students. He received his B.A. in Speech and Drama from the University of Northern Iowa and his M.F.A. in Scene Design from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Using Mr. Gilliam’s design as an example, draw your own version of the Edwin Drood design. How would you change locations? What research would you do when designing your set?
Theatre Etiquette 101 Please be on time! Plan to arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the start of the show.
Please remember to turn off your cell phone or any other devices that might make any noise or light up during the show.
Please take your seat when you see the lights dim before the show—that is a signal that the show is about to start!
Please remember that the seats in the theater are for sitting; try to refrain from kicking, bouncing, standing, or putting your feet on the seats.
Please do not stand or sit in the aisles—many times actors will make entrances through the audience.
Please remember that live performances may not be recorded; cameras and video equipment are not permitted in the theater.
Please do not talk during the show—even in a whisper—it is distracting to the actors and other audience members.
Please dress nicely to attend theatrical events.
Remember: Enjoy the show!
FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION Answer the questions below. Compare your answers with those of your classmates.
How is The Mystery of Edwin Drood similar and/or different than other Dickens’ works?
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ “You are always training yourself to be, mind and body, as clear as crystal, and you always are, and never change; whereas I am a muddy, solitary, moping weed.” John Jasper. What does this quote mean to you? How do you apply this to Jasper’s character in the show? __________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ What expectations did you have entering the show? How did they differ from after you left? _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ What themes are present in The Mystery of Edwin Drood? How do these compare to other musicals you are familiar with? ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Cast of The Mystery of Edwin Drood Revival
WORKS CITED http://www.rememberwenn.org/wennmoed.htm#evodrood http://www.charlesdickensinfo.com/life/timeline/ http://www.victorianweb.org/authors/dickens/drood/cinema.html http://www.biography.com/people/charles-dickens-9274087 charlesdickenspage.com/drood.html http://www.tamswitmark.com/shows/the-mystery-of-edwin-drood http://www.gutenberg.org/files/564/564-h/564-h.htm
2006 revival of The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Special Thanks to BEXAR COUNTY GENERAL FUNDS