Feb. 12, 2014

Contact David Gardiner at
608-796-3790 or dmgardiner@viterbo.edu

VITERBO TO PRESENT THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD FEB. 21–23

LA
CROSSE, Wis. – Viterbo University theatre and music theatre students will
present the Tony Award-winning musical The
Mystery of Edwin Drood Friday, Feb. 21–Sunday, Feb. 23 in the Fine Arts
Center Main Theatre.

The
Mystery of Edwin Drood is a Musical Comedy by Rupert Holmes based on the
unfinished novel by Charles Dickens. It is the story of Englishman Edwin Drood,
who mysteriously disappears and is presumed murdered. Suspicion abounds about
who is responsible for Drood’s demise, and everyone who came into contact with
him becomes a suspect.

The production is in a British Music
Hall style in which the audience is encouraged to interact with the characters
on stage. The audience even votes to choose several key issues, including the
murderer and the ending to the mystery.

“It’s a lot of fun. The audience can
cheer for their favorites and boo the villains,” said David Gardiner, the
Viterbo theatre and music theatre department faculty member who is directing
the production. “There are plenty of songs, dances, and lots of jokes…Everyone
has a chance to let their hair down and have fun.”

An audience favorite, The Mystery of Edwin Drood was very
successful on Broadway when it debuted in 1985, winning five Tony Awards,
including Best Musical. The 2012 revival production was also a big hit and was
nominated for five Tony Awards.

Gardiner is joined by fellow faculty
members Nancy Allen, who is serving as the music director, and Nikki Balsamo,
who is directing the choreography with guest alumnus Joe Miller.  

The Mystery
of Edwin Drood is part of Viterbo’s
Bright Star Season. It is produced by arrangement with, and the music and
dialogue material furnished by, Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc., 560 Lexington Avenue,
New York, N.Y. 10022. It is sponsored by La Crosse Graphics. Soft Rock 101.1 FM KHME
is the media sponsor.

Tickets are $23 for main floor, $20 for lower
balcony, and $17 for upper balcony seating. For more information or to order
tickets, contact the Viterbo box office at 608-796-3100 or visit www.viterbo.edu/tickets.

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