The energy figuratively, and literally, drips from each character as the Actors Co-op performs “The Mystery of Edwin Drood.” Winner of five Tony awards and another six nominations, “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” provides fresh moments of laughter and thrills.

Based on the unfinished novel of the same name by Charles Dickens, the play takes a humorous stance that both parodies and praises Dicken’s creative style. Directed by Stephen Van Dorn and written by Rupert Holmes, the production provides joy and intrigue that last long after the curtain falls. The actors use the play's set dialogue and occasional bits of improv to truly connect with the audience. Before house opens and the play is underway, the cast is out and about in character, mingling with the audience. On one particular night, the town drunk, Durdles (Greg Baldwin), shouted “Want some?” (Implying a flask of alcohol) “Trust me, it makes the show much better!” Well, in some instances that might be good advice, but with this performance he is dead wrong.

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A play of creation, from choosing the murderer to adlibbing lines, “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” gives honor to the great author who inspired it. A master of ink, who died before the novel could be completed, Dickens wrote such exceptional works as “Great Expectations” and “A Tale of Two Cities.” Rupert Homes delivers an ode to classic Dickens, while providing an insane amount of laughter. At points, breathing is impossible as laughter flows out of the body. Because the book was never completed, there are several questions that the novel brought up that were never answered. The importance of certain characters, why certain events transpired, and most importantly, who killed Edwin Drood? As an audience member you get to vote on who the killer is and help decide their fate!

“The Mystery of Edwin Drood” has great ensemble collaboration, though a few actors do stand out: Craig Mceldowney (Mr. Clive Paget/John Jasper), Peter Allen Vogt (Mr. William Cartwright/Chairman/Mayor) and Eva Abramian (Miss Deirdre Peregrine/Rosa Bud). Each of the three lifted the show to new heights in different ways. Craig Mceldowney brought life to the character of Jasper that made it impossible to not root for him. Whether he was jamming out on piano while making his “true” love recite a creepy love ballad, or his masterful facial expressions, Craig Mceldowney steals the show. Still, Peter Allen also gives a wonderful performance. A skilled improver, Allen consistently adds his own flare that connects directly with the audience.  Acting as the narrator, Allen has the crucial task of ensuring that the play makes sense and moves at a good pace. Peter Allen succeeds, playing the line between good comedy and insanity with grace. Eva Abramian on a different note brings a very important aspect to the musical... her voice. An unbelievably technical yet organic singer, Abramian hits the high and low notes with finesse. Delivering hauntingly beautiful singing, while also playing such a lovable character, Eva is a true treat.

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The Actors Co-op stage is a great deal of fun, wrapping the audience around the action. A few select audience members are able to sit at small tables in the center of the room. The tables form a U, where actors occasionally stand in the center and perform dramatic monologues. No mics are used throughout the play, giving the performance a very natural feel. The actors also pace around the audience, setting a tone that brings the audience even deeper into the production.

Though there are not many problems with the show, it is important to note the few. With the great amount of energy that is emitted from the actors, some moments feel on the brink of chaos. The characters occasionally bump into scenery, causing for things to fall or the set to move. The actors always handle the small space with skill, comically playing off of the errors.  The actual stage provides other issues. Without any sort of voice amplification, along with quick pacing, some dialogue is hard to comprehend. Critical lines are missed when the music drowns out the singing, or a character speaks towards a different section of the audience.

An energetic and exciting play full of love triangles and awful human beings, “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” keeps everyone on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. Improv and audience involvement transports the audience from the playhouse into a realm of Charles Dickens’ and Rupert Holmes’ combined creation. Encompassing the style of Dickens with a fresh twist, the Actors Co-op delivers a fun and riveting production.

“The Mystery of Edwin Drood” is playing through October 26 at the Actors Co-op Crossley Theatre (1760 N. Gower Street,  Holleywood). Tickets are $20-$34. For more information visit www.ActorsCo-op.org.

Reach Contributor Casey James Dunn here.

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