Review: The Mystery of Edwin Drood

Review: The Mystery of Edwin Drood | Vintage Theatre | Aurora, CO | Curtain Up! | Eric Fitzgerald | December 9, 2025

Audiences at Vintage Theatre are invited into a game of theatrical make-believe with The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Rupert Holmes’ playful musical whodunit directed by Vintage Artistic Director Bernie Cardell. What makes this production especially enjoyable is how it embraces the mystery itself, letting the audience indulge in the fun guessing game at the core of Holmes’ work. Charm may be the guiding note, yet the production carries a grandeur all its own. Cardell and the cast foster a lively, interactive atmosphere that makes the evening feel warm and enjoyable. Enhancing its appeal are the stunning costumes designed by Cole Emarine, which add a bright splash of color and period style to the production.

The colorful cast of Edwin Drood | Photo credit: RDG Photography

Rupert Holmes’ The Mystery of Edwin Drood first premiered at New York’s Public Theater in 1985 before transferring to Broadway, where it played for over six hundred performances and earned five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Original Score. Holmes based the score on the traditions of English music hall, creating witty, tuneful songs full of playful rhythms typical of that style. The songs are some of the show’s most memorable moments, with numbers like “Both Sides of the Coin,” “Never the Luck,” “Don’t Quit While You Are Ahead,” and “The Garden Path to Hell” standing out as especially lively and unforgettable.

Set in an English music hall, The Mystery of Edwin Drood unfolds as a play within a play, with the cast stepping into the roles of Dickens’ famously unfinished story. Leading the show is Chairman (Brian Trampler), who guides the audience as Edwin Drood (Michelle Merz-Hutchinson), the lively young man, gets caught in a web of suspicion involving his fiancée, Rosa Bud (Makenzie Couch). Her protective guardian, Reverend Crisparkle (Jack Icke), and the brooding choirmaster, John Jasper (William B. Kahn), add more complexity. Neville Landless (Jysten Atom) and his twin sister, Helena (Ariana DuRan), bring extra intrigue to the unfolding drama, while Princess Puffer (Deborah Persoff) and Durdles (Aaron Szindler) add comic flair from the edges of the mystery. Bazzard (Adam Johnson), always eager for his moment in the spotlight, contributes another layer of humor to the evening’s theatricality. As the story moves toward Drood’s sudden disappearance, the production shifts from melodrama to playful suspense, inviting the audience to become detectives. The guessing game of “who done it” becomes the highlight of the evening, ensuring the mystery remains both engaging and fun.

Trampler brings a commanding presence to Chairman, keeping the evening lively and engaging with his witty narration. Kahn makes John Jasper intensely compelling, capturing the character’s brooding obsession with a strong dramatic edge. Persoff gives Princess Puffer a vivid blend of humor and grit, her performance adding depth to the show’s comedic undertones. Atom energizes Neville Landless with spirited vigor that increases the tension, while Icke’s Reverend Crisparkle exudes warmth and stability, grounding the story with a reassuring presence. Johnson, playing Bazzard, enjoys his moments of comic self-awareness, turning a more minor role into one of the evening’s most delightful surprises.

Under Bernie Cardell’s direction, The Mystery of Edwin Drood is a solid and well-paced production. Cardell’s style highlights clarity and rhythm, making sure Rupert Holmes’ interactive mystery remains engaging and easy to follow for the audience. He avoids turning the staging into a spectacle, instead letting humor, character development, and music hall spirit carry the show. The result is a confident, well-structured production that is straightforward yet consistently captivating.

Music Director Jerimiah Otto anchors the production with confident guidance and outstanding piano accompaniment. His playing is excellent, offering both energy and nuance that enhances Holmes’ score and gives the evening its lively musical pulse.

The costumes, designed by Cole Emarine, nearly steal the show with their stunning detail and elaborate flair. Each piece is crafted with a level of sophistication and artistry rarely seen on a local theatre stage, elevating the production’s visual impact. From vibrant period ensembles to richly textured accessories, Emarine’s designs provide a feast for the eyes and underscore the playful spirit of the music hall setting.

Don Fuller’s set design is simple yet highly effective, offering a flexible backdrop that lets the performers and costumes stand out without distraction. Emily Maddox’s lighting design creates atmosphere and enhances visibility, transitioning smoothly between moments of suspense and playfulness to support the show’s interactive nature. Russ Kirby’s sound design maintains balance and accuracy, ensuring dialogue and musical numbers remain sharp and clear, which is crucial in a production that depends heavily on audience involvement.

Vintage Theatre’s The Mystery of Edwin Drood is a lively and enjoyable production. Bernie Cardell’s direction provides a steady hand, shaping the evening with clarity and a light touch that highlights humor and mystery. Jerimiah Otto’s musical leadership gives Holmes’ score a lively pulse, while Cole Emarine’s costumes dazzle with their artistry. With its interactive mystery, vibrant music, and richly detailed visuals, The Mystery of Edwin Drood is an engaging show that invites audiences to experience the fun of theatre at its most playful.

For information and tickets: https://www.vintagetheatre.org/performances/edwindrood