The Mystery of Edwin Drood is a hilarious, interactive whodunit mystery musical that allows the audience to enter the action and become the ultimate detectives. The show is based on Charles Dickens’ unfinished novel of the same name. In the small town of Cloisterham, England, the young and charming Edwin Drood has been mysteriously murdered. But by whom? His leering romantic rival, John Jasper? The infamous purveyor of opium and vice, Princess Puffer? The mysterious Landless twins, newly arrived from Ceylon? Or someone else even more dastardly and villainous? Dickens passed away before he was able to reveal the culprit. Rupert Holmes’ award-winning musical (winner of five 1986 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Book and Score) solves this predicament by asking the audience to choose which character is the killer by putting it to a vote. Staged as a show-within-a-show by the Music Hall Royale, a Victorian London theatre troupe full of just as many colourful characters as the roles they play, this charming and inventive musical is sure to intrigue and entertain any musical or mystery lover.
Performances:
November 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 at 8 PM
November 24, and December 1 at 2 PM
John Elliott Theatre – 9 Church St, Georgetown
Rehearsals:
Tuesdays and Fridays 7 - 10 PM
Sundays 1 - 5 PM
Beginning Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024
No rehearsal Sunday, October 13th, 2024
Auditions:
Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 at 7 PM
Friday, June 21st, 2024 at 7 PM
Auditions and rehearsals held at Globe’s home - The Old Armoury - 1 Park Ave, Georgetown
Call Backs:
Tuesday, June 25th, 2024 at 7 PM
Audition Requirements:
- Please prepare one complete song from musical theatre repertoire showcasing your technical ability (think Sondheim).
- Please bring sheet music in your correct key, double-sided, hole punched and placed in a 3-ring binder. A pianist will be provided. Karaoke tracks will not be accepted as accompaniment.
- Those interested in the role of John Jasper will also complete a short piano playing test. Further details on this requirement will be provided prior to your audition.
- You will be provided with a reading from the script prior to your audition so that you will have an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the text.
- Everyone will participate in a group dance audition. One group dance break will take place in the middle of each audition session. If your audition time is in the first half, you will be asked to wait in the lobby after your audition for the dance portion to begin. If your audition time is in the second half, you will be asked to arrive earlier – in time for the beginning of the dance audition.
- Please wear comfortable (stretchy) clothing and indoor shoes (no bare or sock feet) for the dance audition.
- Please bring a theatre resume and recent headshot if available.
- Arrive in enough time to check in, get settled and complete the audition form (if you haven’t already done so).
Those auditioning must be 16 years old by June 1st, 2024.
Those who attend information night (June 4th) get first opportunity to book an audition. To book an audition beginning June 5th, please contact show producer Michael Wolfe at
Call backs:
- You will be notified by phone by June 22nd if you are required for a call back.
- PLEASE NOTE: Not all roles will require call backs. We will only call back those we need to see again. However, if call backs are required for a role you are interested in, you must be available for the call back be considered for the role.
Casting decisions will be made following the call backs. All those who auditioned will receive the results of their auditions by June 28th. Those who have been cast will receive results by phone. All others will receive results via email.
Conflicts – please take the opportunity to tell us about all potential conflicts you may be aware of on your audition form, even if you’re unsure of the dates. Any conflicts reported after your acceptance into the show will be subject to Globe’s conflict policy - if you miss more than 3 rehearsals you may be asked to leave the show.
The Artistic Team
Director: William Reill
William is a seasoned director. He joins the artistic team for The Mystery of Edwin Drood fresh from directing the Stephen Schwartz musical Snapshots. William’s other directorial credits for Globe Productions include, Mary Poppins JR., Little Women, The Music Man JR. and James and the Giant Peach JR. Beginning in the summer of 2017, William produced and directed Music in the Park (an annual musical review to benefit The Old Armoury). Outside of Globe, William’s directorial credits include, Fixer, One Last Toast to the Schaffer Street Queen, Our Town, A Chorus Line, and Dini Petty: The Moth, the Flame and the Lemming. As a performer William has participated in several Globe productions, most recently as Lord Clapham in Something Rotten. Other Globe credits include: Mr. Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol, The Waiter in First Date, Father Alexandrios in Mamma Mia, Maurice in Beauty and the Beast, Lazar Wolf in Fiddler on the Roof, and William Barfee in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
Music Director: Jordan May
Jordan May is a composer, conductor, musical director and keyboardist from Brampton, Ontario. He is the author of seven original musicals, and numerous works for full and wind orchestras. Jordan is thrilled to have the opportunity to tackle the challenging, musically captivating score of The Mystery of Edwin Drood and to return to the orchestra pit for Globe Productions once again. Also in the 2024/2025 season, Jordan is excited to serve as MD for CCMP's 9 to 5 and to be a part of the world premiere of his newest original work, Vibrant Waveforms.
Choreographer: Mitchell Munro
Mitchell Munro is excited to be choreographing Globe’s The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Mitchell has choreographed shows throughout Ontario over the past 15 years. Most recently, he has choreographed shows including Frozen JR., Mary Poppins JR., A Christmas Carol, and First Date. Mitchell is trained in ballet, tap, jazz, musical theatre-style, and contemporary, and has worked as a dancer with companies such as the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School and Drewitz Dance Productions. Mitchell studied biology and dramatic arts at Queen’s University and is currently a high school biology teacher with the Peel District School Board, though he has also taught multiple musical theatre and drama courses as well.
Character Breakdown:
Note: All doubling of parts listed here are from the Broadway version. We may choose to divide these roles differently.
Mr. William Cartwright, Chairman / Mayor Thomas Sapsea: The leader of the music hall troupe. The Chairperson carries the majority of the dialogue and must be quick with a joke and able to improvise. He is in charge of keeping the pace of the show moving. This part can be any age over 40ish. Baritone.
Mr. Clive Paget / John Jasper: The Royale’s male lead, a devilishly attractive cad, and he knows it. In Drood, he is the antagonist. Choirmaster of Cloisterham Cathedral, and uncle of Edwin Drood. In love with Rosa Bud. Madness lurks beneath his smooth exterior. 35-50ish. Bari-tenor.
Mr. Victor Grinstead / Neville Landless: Victor is enjoying his premiere performance with the Music Hall Royale. His character, Neville, is Helena’s twin brother. Very passionate and often angry. Non-Caucasian. 20-35ish. Bari-tenor.
Mr. Cedric Moncrieffe / Reverend Crisparkle: This troupe member is a bit of an open book who plays an archetypal vicar, who is also a bit of a lurker, and was in love with Rosa’s mother. Must be significantly older than Rosa. Baritone.
Mr. Phillip Bax / Waiter / Bazzard: Devotee of the theatre, the everlasting understudy, who finally gets his moment. May have quite a major part if the evening turns out that way. Any age. Bari-tenor.
Mr. Nick Cricker, Sr. / Durdles: “Clown Prince of the Royale” who makes the most of every line and plays the drunkard sexton in Drood. Over 30. Baritone or Tenor.
Master Nick Cricker, Jr. / Satyr / Deputy: Boy, any age younger than Cricker, Sr. As the Deputy, lowest in the pecking order, and very funny. Any voice range.
Miss. Deirdre Peregrine / Rosa Bud: The not-so-innocent ingenue of the Music Hall Royale, Deirdre portrays the love interest of Drood, the young, beautiful and apparently fragile Rosa Bud. 16-30ish. True Soprano.
Miss. Alice Nutting / Edwin Drood / Dick Datchery: Prima donna and London’s leading male impersonator, charming but, as you might expect, with determination and a lot of ego. Must command the stage. As Edwin Drood, she is an attractive, rich, and popular young man who has everything. 25-45ish. Mezzo-Soprano.
Miss. Janet Conover / Helena Landless: Janet is a long-standing member of the acting troupe, asked to play the mysterious Helena Landless who is driven by a fierce loyalty to her brother. Non-Caucasian. 20-30ish. Mezzo-Soprano
Miss. Angela Prysock / Princess Puffer: Angela has been a favourite of London audiences forever, a staple of the stage. As the mysterious Princess Puffer, Madam, opium dealer and general purveyor of vice of all kinds, she is glamorous in her ruin. Over 50. Serious Low Alto – must have a big chest voice and lots of rapport with the audience.
Mr. James or Miss. Joyce Throttle / Stage Manager
Miss. Isabel Yearsley / Wendy
Miss. Violet Balfour / Beatrice / Maid
Miss. Florence Gill / Flo (speaking)
Mr. Harry Sayle / Shade of Drood
Mr. Montague Pruitt / Shade of Jasper
Mr. Alan Eliot / Client of Puffer
Mr. Christopher Lyon / Client of Puffer
Miss. Gwendolen Prynn / Succubae / Maid
Miss. Sarah Cook / Succubae
Mr. Nicholas Michael / Horace
Plus: Citizens of Cloisterham [ensemble]
