Whodunit at Westhill High School

’s spring musical production, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, tells the tale of Charles Dickens’ final novel before his death. Set in fictitious Cloisterham, England in the Victorian period, the play follows Edwin Drood and his uncle, John Jasper. Jasper is in love with Drood’s fiancé, Rosa Bud. Drood eventually disappears under mysterious circumstances, although Dickens’ death left the novel unfinished. So what ever became of young Drood? Well, that is left up to the audience.

Westhill High students will be performing a play with multiple endings. Audience participation will decide who committed the crime and who — much like every classic story — falls in love at the end.

“Doing any show at the high school level is challenging in itself, but then to do a show that has a different ending every night and a different outcome—you can’t get more creatively challenging than that,” said Brian Bianco, Drood’s director. If you’re skeptical that the different endings are in any way controlled or fabricated by the cast and crew, Bianco said it is entirely left up to the audience. “Rupert Holmes [the play’s writer] didn’t want it any other way.”

Bianco is the education director at Curtain Call in Stamford and was brought on board to direct the play. This is his first show at Westhill.

The multiple endings factor was enticing for the students, according to Skyler Ross, assistant director and a junior at Westhill.

“We’ve been rehearsing multiple endings, and that was the biggest challenge. I think we’ve overcome that though because everyone is really committed to being here.”

Ross is an active member in the school’s productions, although due to a scheduling conflict with one of the show’s dates, took a role on the production side.

To further stretch their creative capabilities—and to further engross the audience—the actors often play dual or triple roles. The characters within the show are played by “actors of the Music Hall Royale,” a fictional traveling English theater company.

For example, the lead role of Edwin Drood also plays Detective Datchery after Drood disappears. Both roles are performed by Royale’s “Miss Alice Nutting,” which is in actuality Westhill Senior, Talia Robinson. Samantha Wise, Westhill High senior, plays the sought after Rosa Bud, Miiko Valkonen is John Jasper, and senior Jackie Abbott is the notorious Princess Puffer, queen of the opium den. The show is narrated by the chairman Richard Westfal, sophomore at Westhill, although the chairman, like the others characters, doubles as Mayor Sapsea later in the show.

Like many other classics by Charles Dickens, the story is set in classic Victorian England. Expect to see ornate period gowns and top coats, all rented by Costume Bazaar in Milford.

“They did a fantastic job,” said Bianco of the costume’s shops outfits.

The cast began rehearsals in early January. According to Bianco, many of the rehearsals got delayed due to the snow days, although they “got back on track.”

“I’m excited for them, I think they’re going to be ready,” said Bianco of the cast.

The Mystery of Edwin Drood made its theatrical debut in 1985 and became the first Broadway musical to include multiple endings. The show at Westhill High School will be April 1, 2, 8, and 9 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. To order tickets, call 203-977-5632 or email whstickets@hotmail.com.