The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Original Cast (CD, Mar-1995, Varese Sarabande USA)

Base on the unfinished book by Charles Dickens,this show allows several different ending to actually occur based on the audience's desire. I find this a rather interesting feature to be involved in a musical. There are two different types of soundtrack for this show out there though. 1 version contains 21 tracks with 3 different confessions from 3 of the possible murderers (Jasper, Rosa, and Puffer) and Out on a Limerick is performed by Bazzard, who sings Never the Luck. The other version contains 28 tracks with 5 different versions of Out on a Limerick and 7 different confessions, as well as a section explaining that the book was unfinished and the the audience would have to select the ending. If you're listening to this version straight through, these different versions of these two songs tend to get repetitive, especially how some seem to nearly copy another. The best ones (at least I think so) are the ones that were included in the shorter version, so you may just want to settle for that, but it's your call.

The main reason why I like this CD is that it has the different endings available. I have not seen that in any other musical, and it just make this one different and makes seeing the show sound like an interesting experience. The different ending also helps this musical stay similar to the original book. But the music is also good as well. My favorites are There You Are, No Good Can Come From Bad, The Name of Love and Moonfall, and Out on a Limerick: Bazzard. However, there are some flaws with the songs on this CD. I don't particularly like the messages involved in some of these songs, such as nothing good will come from a bad situation, don't quit while you're ahead, and you'll live forever. The other problem is that some of the songs just seem a bit pointless or unnecessary, like Never the Luck and Off to the Races.

I can't really comment on the story without seeing the show or reading a more detailed synopsis that is provided, but overall, it seems like it is a show worth seeing. The CD is rather rare and can go for a rather high price, but if you can actually get your hands on a copy, I would recommend that you listen to it, but to own it is optional. If you can just gain access to it though a library or a friend, great. Owning it just makes it a nice collectors item.

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