WHO KILLED EDWIN DROOD?
WELL, IT’S UP TO THE AUDIENCE

The musical whodunit is done with panache
by the reliable J2 Musical Theater Company

The unpleasant fact about life is that everybody dies. In 1870, before completing his last novel The Mystery of Edwin Drood, in which the title character dies—apparently by murder—the author himself passed away. The unfinished book had quite a collection of characters, and, assuming the attack was fatal and intentional, who had a motive or opportunity to get rid of Edwin?

In the musical telling of the tale, presented in the framework of a British theatre company doing a stage version of Dickens’ work (so the cast plays the actors playing the characters and the characters themselves, if you follow). And when the Dickens-supplied plot stops instead of thickening more, the audience du jour votes on what should happen next. What seem to be the “usual suspects” among the unusual dramatis personae are rounded up. And J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company, in its revival of the 1985 Broadway musical with music, lyrics, and book by Rupert Holmes, rounds up a few usual suspects for its cast and crew—meaning some of the people who have worked on the organization’s other projects.

Artistic Director/Co-founder Robert W. Schneider is again helming the endeavor, bringing his methods to the madness of this high-energy piece; his associate director, Mike Meaney, is also back in the saddle, as are designers Ryan Howell (set) and Mark Pearson (costumes), with Christian Specht returning to do the effective lighting design creating dramatic (and appropriately melodramatic) atmosphere and broad-comedy moments aplenty. The choreography is by Josh Zacher. And three people in the 12-member cast have histories with J2’s earlier musicals and cabaret nights: Richard Rowan doing sly, savvy work as the reverend; Robert Hooghkirk as his assistant (a change from the novel, but never mind about that); and Quinn Corcoran as the presumed-guilty-’til-audience-picks-him-to-be-innocent prime suspect (who actually confesses to the crime at one point).

It is the charismatic and clever Corcoran who is by far the most rewardingly watchable player. As the jealous John Jasper, with a split personality, he is side-splittingly funny—the cast standout deserving standing ovations and congratulations and celebrations. He is on-target with the stylized presentation of being both the devious, devilish, daft, desperate character and a hammy actor named Clive who plays that role in the Music Hall Royale company. His timing, facial reactions, movements and poses are precise and priceless.

Seen on opening night (May 14), there were moments in the long first act that felt a bit labored or slow, maybe to make sure the audience was getting up to speed with the storyline before the speedy stuff kicked in at a comfortably rollicking pace as the cast members went through their paces. It could be confusing for those who are new to this fun and unusual piece. As a musical, The Mystery of Edwin Drood presents a female playing the title role to honor the old British pantomime tradition for casting a young male lead role. Jodi Bluestein has the honor here, and does quite well. The moody ballad “Moonfall” is lovely and the “Perfect Strangers” duet for Drood and ingenue Rosa Bud (Megan Hasse) is attractive, although the latter’s characterization stays in the middle lane between being an exaggeration of sweet girlish innocence and a more comical variation. The lively numbers are spiffy and spirited—most especially the super-speedy showstopper “Both Sides of the Coin” by the aforementioned Quinn-tessential leading man playing Jasper and Broadway veteran Joel Blum who anchors the wild proceedings and sometimes calms them as the head of the British theatre troupe, taking on the role of the Mayor in the plot.

Sierra Rein struts her stuff with broad strokes as the formidable Princess Puffer, knowingly considering “The Wages of Sin.” Wesley Slade and Weston Pytel have an especially delightful vaudevillian turn as, respectively, Nick Cricker Senior and Nick Cricker Junior. Rounding out the cast are Elbi Cespedes, Madeline Grace Smith, and Nicole Vazquez. Note that the prominence of some characters could depend on the audience’s vote for who the murderer is and which two characters will become lovers and thus have significant singing to do towards the end.

Because it’s a “meta” experience with broad humor and winks to the audience, we’re not pulled in by identifying with characters, plot, or emotions in a “real” way—or genuinely having a stake in thinking we’ve solved the mystery. It’s about being entertained, amused, and impressed with the performances—as well as the craftsmanship of the writing of Rupert Holmes (more of which will be on display in J2’s cabaret night on May 19, when Mr. Holmes himself will appear).

The excellent band is Canaan Harris (Keyboard/Conductor); Ben Harris (Reeds); and Nicholas Urbanic (Drums).

The Mystery of Edwin Drood is a challenging, unusual, and complex piece to pull off, and it is no mystery why J2 Spotlight succeeds so well with this piece: dedication, talent, and spunk. Now the only remaining mystery is: What musicals will this wonderfully worthy group, led by Schneider and Jim Jimirro, choose for next season’s roster of revivals to regale us with? Stay tuned as they stay tuneful.

May 19 is the cavalcade of other Holmes songs and the May 21 afternoon event is hosted by entertaining theatre author/critic/expert Peter Filichia.

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photos by Russ Rowland

The Mystery of Edwin Drood
J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company
AMT, 354 West 45th St
Thu & Fri at 7:30; Sat at 2; Sun at 3
ends on May 24, 2026
for tickets, visit J2 Spotlight

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