The Mystery of Edwin Drood: The 1908 Theatrical Adaptation (Dickens Dramatized Series of Plays)

J. Comyns Carr’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ unfinished mystery offers a new interpretation of the crime with a surprising ending. Originally produced in 1908, the play gives a psychological study of its characters and is considered one of the first modern adaptations of a Dickens novel. In a “magnificent production” directed by the celebrated actor-manager Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, the play toured throughout England before opening at London’s His Majesty's Theatre where it was noted for its “excellent performances.” A prolific writer for the theatre, J. Comyns Carr was considered a principal playwright of the Edwardian stage. He co-wrote with Thomas Hardy an adaptation of the novelist's "Far From the Madding Crowd” and along with Arthur Wing Pinero, wrote the libretto for the distinguished composer Arthur Sullivan’s operetta “The Beauty Stone.” His adaptation of Charles Dickens “Oliver Twist” had both a successful production in London and on Broadway. He was also a noted drama critic, editor, and knowledgeable writer of art history and theory.