5 Questions with Brian Farrey-Latz

Brian Farrey-Latz is no stranger to 4 Community Theatre—or the Twin Cities theatre scene. You may recognize him from 4CT’s 2024 production of The Rocky Horror Show, where he brought charisma and flair as one of the Narrators. Or perhaps you caught 4CT’s 2024 holiday production of A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol, which Brian expertly directed.

Brian is returning to The Plymouth Playhouse this fall to direct The Mystery of Edwin Drood. We caught up with Brian ahead of the auditions, happening on May 29 & 30 at The Plymouth Playhouse. Have you signed up yet? Sign up to audition!

❓ Why are you excited to direct The Mystery of Edwin Drood?

✏️ I’m excited to direct The Mystery of Edwin Drood because it’s a show that lives at the intersection of everything I love about storytelling: theatricality, playfulness, and a deep respect for narrative craft—paired with a willingness to gleefully subvert it. I have been a fan of this show since I first heard the original Broadway cast recording back in 1985 when I was mumble-mumble years old. I love the conceit of a Victorian music hall--primarily known for providing evenings of bawdy, raucous fun--putting on a musical melodrama based on an unfinished Charles Dickens novel where the audience votes on how the story concludes. I'm excited to re-create the feeling of a proper British music hall with songs that range from an old fashioned 'knees-up' to atmospheric songs of dark longing to romantic duets. Mostly, I hope to bring this perfect storm of mind bending mystery and belly laughs to life for contemporary audiences. It’s funny, strange, a little dark, and unexpectedly moving.

❓ What will you be looking for at auditions on May 29 and May 30?

✏️ At auditions, I’ll be looking first and foremost for people who are fully present—actors who listen, respond, and make specific, grounded choices in the moment. Drood asks a lot of its performers, not just technically, but in terms of agility. So I’m drawn to actors who can shift quickly between comedy and sincerity, who understand how to play heightened material without losing truth. I want to see a sense of playfulness. There's a lot of audience interaction and I want to see people who are comfortable taking risks with comedic choices. Show me bold character choices when you sing. For anyone invited to callbacks, there will be a bit of improv involved so thinking on your feet is strongly encouraged.

❓ For someone unfamiliar with The Mystery of Edwin Drood, what resources should an interested auditionee check out?

✏️ First of all, AVOID THE NOVEL. Rupert Holmes, the creator of this show, advises directors to "keep your actors away from Mr. Dickens' sombre and poetic novel at all costs, at least during rehearsals - for neither the Music Hall Royale nor the characters they portray are to be found there." Let's just say the musical "freely adapts" the novel (meaning the musical offers only broad strokes of what's in the novel and reading the original will not help you wrap your head around the musical). The 2012 Broadway Revival Cast Recording is a good place to start in terms of getting a feel for the show and its style. (Give it a search on YouTube.) It might not hurt to brush up on Victorian melodrama and music hall performance. (Again, YouTube is a great resource for this.) The best preparation is curiosity, openness, and a willingness to jump into a world that’s constantly in conversation with its audience.

❓ What's your favorite song from The Mystery of Edwin Drood?

✏️ Why would you ask me that? WHY?! It's a tough call. There's so much to love given all the witty lyrics and catchy tunes. For me, it's very much a tie between "Both Sides of the Coin" (love a good patter song) and "No Good Can Come from Bad" (love a collage of countermelodies.) That said, ask me tomorrow and I might say “Moonfall” or “A Man Could Go Quite Mad.” Which, honestly, feels very Drood—the show resists a single answer. I do have a favorite Murderer's Confession but I'm going to keep that a secret for now...

❓ Why should people come see The Mystery of Edwin Drood from October 22 - November 1?

✏️ Anyone who loves a good mystery--and, let's face it, who doesn't?--will find their appetites sated with this intriguing story and its twists and turns. There are red herrings and possible suspects galore and you can choose the murderer based on clues you've discovered along the way or just vote for your favorite actor (they WILL be courting you for your votes....) And it's funny. Good gravy, is it FUNNY. It's a gem of a show and the audience participation means you'll never see the same ending twice (so come multiply times)!

Auditions for The Mystery of Edwin Drood at May 29 & 30 at The Plymouth Playhouse. Sign up for an audition slot.

The Mystery of Edwin Drood performs at The Plymouth Playhouse from October 22 - November 1. Tickets: 4ct.ludus.com