Willowbrook to present its fall musical, ‘The Mystery of Edwin Drood’

Above and below: Willowbrook students rehearse a number from the school's fall musical, "The Mystery of Edwin Drood." The show will take place from Nov. 19 to 21.

A “whodunit” tale of mystery is coming to the stage at Willowbrook – and the audience will get to solve the crime.

Willowbrook will present its fall musical, “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” by Rupert Holmes, from Nov. 19 to 21. This wildly warm-hearted theatrical experience opens with the Music Hall Royale (a hilariously loony Victorian musical troupe) “putting on” its rendition of an unfinished Charles Dickens novel, “The Mystery of Edwin Drood.” The show tells the story of John Jasper, a Jekyll-and-Hyde choirmaster who is madly in love with one of his music students, the fair Miss Rosa Bud. But she is engaged to Jasper’s nephew, Edwin Drood. After Drood disappears mysteriously one stormy Christmas Eve, everyone is left with the questions, “Has Drood been murdered and, if so, whodunit?”

Willowbrook Theatre Director Regina Wathier said she chose this musical because it is stylistically different from what the school typically performs. It also showcases one of the youngest casts she has worked with in nearly 20 years.

“It’s exciting to see the new talent take the stage,” Wathier said. “This is definitely an entertaining show you won’t want to miss.”

Sophomore John DeAngelo plays Jasper and said he enjoys the challenge of performing that role.

“Outwardly, Jasper is a very prestigious and well-respected man in town,” DeAngelo said. “But he has a secret dark side as well, so I have to act as two different people nearly the entire musical.”

He added what makes “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” unique is the audience will get to determine the ending. The crowd will pick from eight possible murderers, six potential detectives and nine couple combinations.

“There will be a lot of interaction between the actors and the audience members,” DeAngelo said. “The show couldn’t exist without them.”

Sophomore Kathleen Cicero plays Drood, whom she described as “cocky, but caring.”

The role of Bud is portrayed by senior Mariana Martens, who said the musical has helped her grow as a performer.

“For this show, I have to use all the skills I’ve learned – acting, dancing, singing and improv – and I have to be ‘on’ in all of those areas the entire time.”

Martens said participants can “literally expect a different show every night,” and they will get to experience the outcome of the performance right along with the actors.

“The Mystery of Edwin Drood”
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 19, 20 and 21

Where: Willowbrook, 1250 S. Ardmore Ave. in Villa Park

Tickets: For ticket prices and ordering information, go to https://www.dupage88.net/site/public/files/?item=2571

Ticket order form: https://www.dupage88.net/site/public/files/?item=2578