36 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MARCH 27-APRIL 2, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com ONSTAGE On Thursday night, March 20, the Golden Bough Playhouse in Carmel is illuminated. A tech weekend for The Mystery of Edwin Drood is about to start, and a rehearsal takes place on the main stage of the just-renovated venue. For a technical rehearsal, the actors don’t wear costumes. Occasionally there is a break to discuss technical issues, but the big musical atmosphere is palpable. What makes preparation different is this: Each performance will be unique because each night will bring a different ending. “It’s a mental exercise for the audience,” says John Newkirk, Pacific Repertory Theatre’s development and marketing executive, about the 1985 musical that won five Tony Awards. Created by Rupert Holmes, it is based on the 15th novel by Charles Dickens—his last, and one he never finished. The Mystery of Edwin Drood tells the story of an unhinged uncle (Adam J. Saucedo as John Jasper), his idealistic nephew (Kelsey Woods as Edwin Drood) and the nephew’s modest bride to be (Christiana Meeks as Rosa Bud) who—among other characters in the fictional town of Cloisterham—will have to deal with a complex situation that culminates in the murder of young Drood. “It’s such a fun show,” says director Lara Devlin, who has been working with PacRep for years. She also chairs theater arts at Santa Catalina School in Monterey, where she first staged The Mystery of Edwin Drood. “I couldn’t wait to do this show with adults,” she says, referring to the musical’s strong and suggestive language that is now brought to the front. The contemporary comedy effect comes from another layer on the plot Holmes set at the top of the Dickens story. The audience, in fact, is watching a struggle of a theater troupe who is trying to stage the unfinished novel. That creates an opportunity for jokes, songs and dance. The cast includes many of the established core performers of the company, including Jennifer Newman as Princess Puffer, Robert Devlin as Mayor Thomas Sapsea and Gary Bolen as Durdles. Perhaps it was one of the above characters who killed young Edwin. It will be yours, the audience member, to decide. The Mystery of Edwin Drood 7:30pm ThursdaysSaturdays; matinees 2pm Saturdays-Sundays, March 27-April 19. Golden Bough Playhouse, Monte Verde Street between 8th and 9th Avenues, Carmel. $8-$55. 6220700, pacrep.org. STEPHEN MOORER Youdunit In The Mystery of Edwin Drood, an unfinished story brings a chance for audience participation. By Agata Popęda The cast of The Mystery of Edwin Drood includes (from left) Christiana Meeks as Rosa Bud, Robert Devlin as Mayor Thomas Sapsea and Kelsey Woods as Edwin Drood. SCAN THE QR CODE FOR MORE INFO! LIVE MUSIC EVERY TUESDAY BLUES NIGHT 6PM THURSDAY JAZZ NIGHT 6PM RESTAURANT + BAR “THE OLD” ITALIAN COOKING NOW OFFERING ONLINE ORDERING! (831) 243-6066 UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP! Fresh Pasta, Wine Pairings, & Charming Decor LUNCH 11:30AM - 2PM DINNER 5PM - 9PM Store CloSing 40% gifts for the Holidays [everything goes] The Garden Song 225 Forest Ave. Pacific Grove [across from Grove Market] 1-831-656-9771 11:30 - 4:30pm Tuesday through Sunday off Sale e d e e d e WE'RE MOVING! OFF SALE The Garden Song 225 Forest Ave. Pacific Grove [across from Grove Market] 1-831-656-9771 11:30 – 4:30pm Tuesday through Saturday Store CloSing 40% gifts for the Holidays [everything goes] The Garden Song 225 Forest Ave. Pacific Grove [across from Grove Market] 1-831-656-9771 11:30 - 4:30pm Tuesday through Sunday off Sale e d e e d e
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