The Mystery of Edwin Drood

a kate west review
book, music, lyrics by Rupert Holmes
directed by Scott Ellis
musical direction by Paul Gemignani
choreographed by Warren Carlyle
a Roundabout Theatre Company production
at Studio 54, 254 West 54th Street, New York, NY, 10019
running  November 13, 2012 - March 10, 2013
contact (212) 719-1300 or click here

Charles Dickens never finished writing "The Mystery of Edwin Drood". He died instead. So of course the only thing to do was to turn it into a musical and have the audience guess the ending. Right? That was the idea behind Rupert Holmes' vision anyway. Who better for the job than Roundabout Theatre, who sure do like to put on some fun productions (see previous review here). "Drood" (in grand old music hall tradition no less)  is no exception. And what's even more fun? To perform at the most famous former night club in the world, Studio 54. So now you'll want to see the show so you'll be able to say you were there too, just like Andy Warhol. Can't get hipper than that.

Edwin Drood (Stephanie J. Block of "Wicked" fame) is a Victorian gentleman (yep, played by a woman to stir up more mystery) who suddenly disappears. Is he dead? Who killed him? His fiance Rosa (Betsy Wolfe) or his rival John Jasper (Will Chase) or the suspicious eastern foreigners, Helena and Neville Landless (Jessie Mueller and Andy Karl)? The possibilities are endless and there is no shortage of audience participation in figuring it all out, so be forewarned. But don't worry, there is a narrator, the Chairman (Jim Norton), who guides us in the plot and in our reactions, occasionally jumping in and out of characters (as do most of the cast). A cheery Master of Ceremonies, fitting for a raucously bawdy-lite evening.

In this particular production, Chita Rivera was supposed to play Princess Puffer, madame of an underground opium den, but was substituted with Alison Cimmet, who was just fine (her normal role of Violet Balfour went to Jenifer Foote). In fact, the entire ensemble shows us a romping good time and sing some rowdy songs, including "There You Are", "Moonfall", "Ceylon" and "Off to the Races". The first act might drag a bit but the second act involves the spectators even more directly so that will definitely rouse you. The actors are all pros of course, and laughter abounds (unlike the dreary notes of the original novel). Block does a great disgruntled diva.

It's a play-within-a-play, with actors playing actors playing Dickens characters, but mostly talking to us. Some of them will run about the aisles and yes, might drag up an unsuspecting patron of the arts right there on stage. But everyone seems so earnest and of such enthusiastic good cheer that you can't help but be drawn into the fun, especially with all the asides and winks going on. Plus you get to choose the ending. And maybe sing a few notes yourself. A charming production, "Drood" delivers the fun, if not all the answers. But what fun would life be without a little mystery? Read more!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

a kate west greeting

 

About the Fair: General Event Information

What:	The Great Dickens Christmas Fair: A holiday adventure into Victorian London, partying with hundreds of costumed players in over 120,000 square feet of theatrically-lit music halls, pubs, dance parties and Christmas shops on winding lanes. It's a twilight evening in Charles Dickens' London Town - a city filled with lively and colorful characters from both literature and history. Enticing aromas of roasted chestnuts and hearty foods fill the air. Cries of street vendors hawking their wares ring out above the bustling crowd. Dozens of lamplit shops are filled to overflowing with Christmas presents.
Where:	Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, 2600 Geneva Avenue, San Francisco
When:	Four Weekends including the Friday after Thanksgiving, November 25, 26, 27, Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 2011; 11:00am - 7:00 pm
Who:	Brought to you by Red Barn Productions and the Patterson Family, who created and directed the popular Renaissance Pleasure Faire at Black Point in Marin for 25 years, the Dickens Christmas Fair is a treasured Bay Area tradition since 1970.
Ticket Prices at the Gate:	General Admission: $25.00 Student/Senior/Military: $21.00 Children 5-11: $12.00 Children Under 5 are Free Groups of 15 or more: $17.00 Pickwick Club (Fair season pass): $60 (available from our office or at the fair)
Ticket Sales:	Online ticket sales begin on Thursday, September 15. During the run of Fair, tickets may also be purchased at the Fair Box Office.
Parking:	$10.00 (charged by the Cow Palace)
Public Transport:	Ride BART to London! Take BART or Muni to the GLEN PARK Bart Station, then board the APS shuttle to Dickens' London. The Fair operates a FREE Courtesy Shuttle to and from the Glen Park BART station every 20 minutes, from 11:15 AM to 7:15 PM each Fair day. BART riders may bring their tickets or Clipper Cards to the Fair gate for $5 off one Adult admission (regularly $25; may not be combined with other offers).
Wheelchairs: The fair is handicapped accessible, but wheelchairs are not available for rental. Entertainment: Continuous performances on six stages and in the streets feature lively and colorful characters from Dickens' London. Included will be energetic song and dance in Fezziwig's Warehouse, boisterous music hall performers in Mad Sal's Dockside Alehouse, chimney sweeps, Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and that evil genius Fagin. Especially For Children: Punch and Judy puppet shows, Victorian fairies, Father Christmas, and interactive theatrical performances; games and holiday activities; Victorian arts and crafts. Food & Drink: Gourmet chefs will offer delicious foods from around the world, including fish and chips, English bangers, Greek delicacies, French onion soup, and enticing desserts. Five authentic pubs offer Craft Ales from local breweries to satisfy the heartiest thirst. A wide selection of fine wines and champagne will be available by the glass. Shopping: Visit the shops of London to find one-of-a-kind treasures, Victorian reproductions, fine art, romantic clothing, glittering pewter, and dazzling jewelry. Complete your holiday shopping or discover the perfect dress for that New Year's Eve party. Shopkeepers will welcome you, share a story or two, and send you on your way (hopefully laden with packages) with a hearty "Happy Christmas." Re-entry: Visitors to the fair may leave and re-enter by receiving a hand stamp upon exit. Pets: Pets are not allowed. Smoking: The Cow Palace is a non-smoking facility. Lodging: For those of you traveling to the fair, check the Lodgings Search page of the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau's website for accommodations in the San Francisco area, or our own accommodations page. Support the Cow Palace: The Cow Palace is a valuable community and cultural asset for the Bay Area and the State. It is also key to the quality presentation of The Dickens Christmas Fair with its Historic Exhibition Halls reminiscent of Covent Garden in London. Show your support by attending other great shows at the Cow Palace, such as The Golden Gate Kennel Club Dog Show and join http://www.cowpalace.com for email updates of all Cow Palace events. How to Reach Us: Red Barn ProductionsPO Box 1768 Novato CA 94948 Toll free (800) 510-1558 . Fax (415) 892-4039 Email: office@redbarnproductions.org Check out the review here!

Read more!

John Steinbeck & Jack London vs. Charles Dickens & Charlotte Brontë

a kate west reflection

The National Steinbeck Center in Salinas (www.steinbeck.org) above.

I know that everyone is crazy about Jane Austen these days, as well they should be. She's a classic and an astute, if sometimes strict, observer of human nature. Yet, while my mind absolutely accepts this, my heart belongs elsewhere. The romantic part of me wants the sweeping drama of the mating ritual and that whole dramatic dance. Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre" provides this for me. Not that Austen isn't romantic. Of course she is. But her novels can be more intellectual and passionate, while at the same time giving us social messages. She's not everyone's cup of tea; Mark Twain disparaged her, but he was a cantankerous old man. Brilliant writers often are.

Personally, sometimes I just want to escape (not that Brontë can't be deep, relax). Mr. Rochester seems more mysterious than Mr. Darcy and seemingly unattainable, making him all the more desirable. And I'm a sucker for happy endings. Then there's Charles Dickens. "Oliver Twist" is definitely a real depiction of the harshness of old English orphanages, but it does end well for the main character. Many people make fun of me for this, but "A Tale of Two Cities" is one of my favorite novels. I know it's a soap opera, with one ridiculous coincidence after another, but it speaks to me. Sydney Carton's heroic sacrifice gets me every time. The background of the French Revolution's Reign of Terror helps this story considerably, along with such rich characters like the brooding Madame Defarge, who keeps knitting aristocratic destruction while the streets run red with blood. Great stuff.

More realistic are the novels by Jack London and John Steinbeck, taken from both authors' real life experiences of Alaskan sled dogging in London's case and from the migrant workers Steinbeck grew up around in California. These novels are considered romantic because they depict small lives on a grand scale. The common man made poetic. London painted a vivid picture of man surviving in nature by befriending loyal dogs and understanding wolves. Men in such harsh winter climates needed to make these alliances; the resulting relationships satisfied both. Steinbeck made more of a social statement by showing us the inner lives of men who worked with their hands. He even wrote about his own journey traveling across America with his ferocious poodle Charley. Everyone reads these novels in school, but re-reading them as an adult causes you to appreciate their nuances even more. At least I think that's why I continue to be drawn to them.

The point is, literature (and film and art) is subjective. We like what we like. And we find romance where we can, since real life won't always give us what we want. And sometimes, even real life in fiction, even tragedy in books, seems more appealing than what we see at home. Or is it that these authors give us a clearer sense of life around us, which is really the most romantic thing of all.


Fun Reads:
Travels with Charley in Search of America: (Centennial Edition)

The Call of the Wild (Aladdin Classics)

Jane Eyre (Dover Thrift Editions)

A Tale of Two Cities (Penguin Classics) Read more!