BWW CD Review: THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD (2013 Cast Recording)

DG records produced the cast recording of the 2013 production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, a revival of the original 1985 production. The show is based on the unfinished Charles Dickens novel.

The 2013 revival starred Stephanie Block (9 to 5, Wicked), Will Chase (Smash), Chita Rivera (West Side Story).

The Mystery of Edwin Drood follows the story of young Englishman, Edwin Drood and the events following his sudden disappearance. The show focuses on the reaction of the townspeople of the fictional town Cloisterham. The mystery of The Mystery of Edwin Drood is who is in fact responsible for Drood's disappearance, as the show holds everyone who has come into contact with him as a suspect.

The Broadway revival cast recording of The Mystery of Edwin Drood is melodramatic in the best way. Exaggerated notes and emphasis on words is what makes this soundtrack perfect for this comedy. The show is a lighter spin on the heavier Dickens story, and the score of the show is representative of this.

Stephanie J Block (Edwin Drood) has perfect comedic timing in this gender bending role with her over the top operatic singing. Somehow, Block still manages to sound incredible with her signature belting and knack for ballads. Her talent is showcased in "Perfect Stranger," that she sings with Betsy Wolfe (Rosa).

Wolfe as Rosa Bud shines in the sweet ballad "Moonfall," and the romantic duet "The Name Of Love/ Moonfall Duet."

Will Chase (Jasper), most well known for his performances in High Fidelity, Rent, and Smash, adapts a whole new sound. Rocker in High Fidelity and crooner on Smash, Chase's vocals in Drood are unlike anything you would expect for him. He is shockingly able to belt almost operatically.

The greatest representation of the show as a whole is the track "There You Are." It's your typical group number where every character gets a few lines for themselves. It is the opening number, and sets the feel of the show, as an opening number should. In the track the chairman, who acts as kind of a Master of Ceremonies, tells the audience that the production is unusual, inviting spectators to be as "vulgar and uncivilized as legally possible." As mentioned, the song is pretty representative of the show.

This cast recording is advertised as "the complete musical program on two compact discs for the first time." This recording features "confessions from all 8 murder suspects. This is a selling point for this album, as these confessions develop characters. This is particularly effective for people who have not yet seen the show and are trying to get a grasp on the personalities of the characters. For those who have seen the show, added tracks help re-live their experience. The recording gives listeners the full effect of the show.

The recording also features two versions of "Out on a Limerick, a reprise of "Perfect Stranger," and a version of "Ceylon," revised to incorporate "A British Subject." Finally, the recording includes a previously cut song "An English Music Hall."

If you have not yet seen the show, the soundtrack is a good indicator of the shows comedic campy nature. It makes you want to see the show and witness these animated, larger than life numbers on stage.

This recording is especially appropriate for people who have seen the shows, for it will allow them to re-live the hysteria of Chita Rivera and Stephanie Blocks performance, and swoon over Will Chase's stunning vocals.

The Mystery of Edwin Drood (New 2013 Broadway Cast Recording) can be purchased on iTunes.

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