The BHS drama department is set to open “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” this Wednesday, February 16. The performance will be held in the old campus’ auditorium on 2/16, 2/17, and 2/18. 

“It’s important to me that people come to this show, so they see all of the work that the amazing cast and crew have put into this,” Penny deRosset ‘25, an actor in the play, said.

“The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” written by Robert Holmes is an interactive production, which takes place in the town of Cloisterham after Edwin Drood is murdered. It follows the townspeople as they attempt to find the curplit. The musical is based on Charles Dickens’ unfinished novel of the same name, in which the murderer was never revealed. Depending on who the audience choses as Drood’s murderer, actors will get to perform unique versions of the musical each night.

“There’s multiple different endings that we’ve really worked really hard on,” Oscar Dowling ‘22 said. “There’s a lot of stuff behind the scenes that people don’t notice when it comes to tech, lighting and just tweaking stuff so it looks right.”

Oli Oski, ‘22 described his feelings while performing on stage. 

“[When I’m on stage], I definitely feel nervous, and then I just feel confident,” Oski said. “It starts with a lot of nerves. And once I start talking, I’m just like, ‘this is great.’”

Penny deRosset, ‘25, plays Rosa Bud, the character engaged to Edwin Drood prior to his death.  

“I like to put on a costume and become another person,” deRosset said. “It’s been way outside of my comfort zone. And I think that’s a good thing, because it kind of forces me to expand my horizons.”

Daniel Gibson discussed finding a sense of community within the BHS drama department.

“There’s a lot of students that don’t really feel [like] they fit in with the big sports groups,” Gibson said. “It’s really important to come and support the students, myself included, who have found a home with BHS drama.”

Ambrose Cusick ‘24, who plays Edwin Drood, has similarly formed connections within BHS’ drama department. 

“A lot of times upperclassmen and freshmen don’t really mix, and the musical is a way for us to connect and meet people in all different grades,” Cusick said.

Oski expressed his excitement for opening night. 

“I’m just excited for everyone to come into their own character and just for us all to put on this show,” Oski said.

Tickets are $5 for students and seniors and $10 for adults. They can be purchased online by filling out this form, at the hub during block 3, or in room 121 anytime during the school day. Proof of vaccination will be required for all ticket holders.