Full Cast & Opening Date Set for The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Starring Chita Rivera & Stephanie J. Block

Casting is complete for the Roundabout Theatre Company production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, starring previously announced two-time Tony winner Chita Rivera as Princess Puffer and Stephanie J. Block as Edwin Drood. Directed by Scott Ellis, the revival of Rupert Holmes’ musical comedy will begin previews on October 19 at Broadway's Studio 54, with an official opening night on November 29. The production is set to play a limited engagement through February 10, 2013.

In addition to Rivera and Block, The Mystery of Edwin Drood will feature previously announced stars Will Chase as John Jasper, Tony nominee Jessie Mueller as Helena Landless, Andy Karl as Neville Landless, four-time Tony nominee Gregg Edelman as Reverend Mr. Crisparkle, Tony winner Jim Norton as Chairman, Betsy Wolfe as Rosa Bud, Nicholas Barasch as Deputy, Peter Benson as Bazzard and Robert Creighton as Durdles. The production also features previously announced ensemble members Alison Cimmet, Nick Corley, Justin Greer, Shannon Lewis, Kiira Schmidt, Jim Walton, Eric Sciotto and Cody Williams. Janine DiVita, Jenifer Foote and Spencer Plachy round out the ensemble.

Based on Charles Dickens’ unfinished novel, The Mystery of Edwin Drood is a play-within-a-play, using the world of music hall and pantomime as a backdrop. Drood follows the exploits of the members of the Theatre Royale Music Hall Company as they attempt to complete the unfinished story of Edwin Drood—along with some sing-along help from the audience! After a premiere in Central Park, The Mystery of Edwin Drood transferred to Broadway’s Imperial Theatre on December 2, 1986. The production won five 1986 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The Drood creative team includes choreographer Warren Carlyle, music director Paul Gemignani, set designer Anna Louizos, costume designer William Ivey Long, lighting designer Brian Nason and sound designer Tony Meola.