By Alexis Yoo

“The Mystery of Edwin Drood” returned to Broadway this year with the assistance of modern technology, colorful costumes and an excellently crafted set. All of these factors plus a plot where multiple conflicts are simultaneously going on makes for one hell of a lively play.

But the part of the show that really made “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” differ from the rest is what’s made it stand out on Broadway since it’s original debut back in ’85. There are multiple possibilities for the ending of the play and is completely decided by the audience through voting.

For those who don’t know background history of “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” – it was a novel by Charles Dickens who passed away before he ever got a chance to finish the story. How did he want the ending to be? Nobody knows, but the Broadway show gave the audience a chance for their imagination to be laid out in front of them…with one possible incestuous conclusion as well.

The actors gave off a vibe of pure enjoyment in their roles by passionately getting into character and never stepping out of them. Comedic hand gestures, thick accents, and Caucasian actors skillfully playing the part of Sri Lankans won over the audience.

Additionally, the main character, Edwin Drood, was actually played by a woman (Stephanie J. Block) this time around. And excellently, might I add. If it weren’t for the couple excitedly discussing next to me, I wouldn’t have known it was a woman under that manly wig.

There was also constant engagement of the audience, which allowed for a playful and interactive experience. Sometimes the actors spoke directly to us from the stage, other times they simply came out into the audience. One example even involved an actor trying to seduce a viewer. Clearly not a show appropriate to take your kids to, it is perfect for fun-loving adults who are young at heart.

Unfortunately, “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” had it’s last performance in March of this year, but for anyone who’s interested in the musical and bringing Dickens’ novel come to life, there’s a new 2013 cast recording now available online at Amazon.com or at Studio 54.