At the time of his death, Charles Dickens was writing a novel. The author of such classics as "A Christmas Carol" and "A Tale of Two Cities" never completed his last work. But that didn't stop Rupert Holmes from turning it into the musical The Mystery of Edwin Drood playing at the Connecticut Repertory Theatre. The production which opened Nov. 30 is set to close as scheduled Dec. 10.
As it is incomplete, Drood allows audiences to choose their own ending. James Warwick directs the interactive tuner, which won Holmes the 1986 Tony Award for Best Musical.
Main Stage or season subscriptions are available, as well as single tickets at the CRT box office in the upper lobby of the Jorgensen Auditorium building on the UConn campus or call (860) 486-4226.
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Connecticut Repertory Theatre artistic director Gary English and managing director Robert Wildman have two theatres to work with. The Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre, where the CRT's Main Stage Series runs, can accommodate a larger audience. And the smaller, more intimate venue, the Studio Theatre, presents The Studio Works Series. Starting off the Main Stage season was William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, followed by Drood. Jumping ahead another two centuries, CRT will tackle the second part of the epic drama, Angels in America, by Tony Kushner, March 1 11, 2001. Angels in America: Perestroika sequels the other part of the "gay fantasia on national themes," Angels in America: Millennium Approaches. Kushner received many accolades for the two-parter, including the Best Play Tony for 1993 and 1994 and the Pulitzer Prize. Leah C. Gardiner, who directed the first part last season at CRT, will complete the double play as she directs this season's production as well.
Following the Studio Works series opener Loose Knit, CRT will present a classic from the "Father of Absurd Theatre." Eugene Ionesco's Exit the King will run April 5-15, 2001 at the Studio. Robert McDonald will helm the unpredictable comedy about a king faced with life on his deathbed.
Closing out the entire millennial season will be Our Country's Good by Timberland Wertenbaker. Set in late 18th century Australia, a group of convicts and castoffs produce a play in which they discover the duality of their roles and their own lives. The production, headed by CRT artistic director Gary M. English, will run April 26-May 6, 2001 at the Jorgensen Theatre.
All productions run two weeks each. The remaining lineup follows:
Angels in America: Perestroika: March 1-11, 2001 - Jorgensen Theatre
Exit the King: April 5-15, 2001 - Studio Theatre
Our Country's Good: April 26 - May 6, 2001 - Jorgensen Theatre
— by Ernio Hernandez
