RPL Teen Production:
The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Dinner & A Show at The Backyard Venue!


Performed by the Read Play Love Teen ensemble, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD is a hilarious, interactive whodunit mystery musical that allows the audience to enter the action and become the ultimate detectives. The show is based on Charles Dickens’ unfinished novel of the same name. Dickens passed away before he was able to reveal the culprit, but Rupert Holmes’ award-winning musical solves this predicament by asking the audience to choose various elements for the story's ending...which means every show could have a different ending!  

Suggested for age 10+ at parent's discretion.  Content includes romance and innuendo, mild profanity, a Jekykll/Hyde type character, comedic stage combat, and drug/alcohol reference.

Food and Fun! To enhance the celebration, all three performances offer a tasty meal to enjoy before the show or intermission.  We will also have raffles and a silent auction fundraiser, all featuring great items and packages donated by local businesses!

THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC.

Dinner & Show at The Backyard Venue

* ​Wednesday March 12 @ 6:30pm *
* Thursday March 13 @ 6:30pm *
* Friday March 14 @ 6:30pm * 
 
at The Backyard Venue
1410 S Bridgefarmer Rd, McKinney, TX 75069

Dinner & Show: Minimum donation $25/person 
Show Only:  Minimum donation $12/person
Donations above the minimum are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
​
Doors open at 5:45 pm, with the show beginning promptly at 6:30 pm.
The Mystery of Edwin Drood runs for approximately 3 hours, which includes an extended intermission for dinner. 

​​About the Performance:  THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD will be presented in an elegant, climate-controlled cedar barn with immersive staging that surrounds you in the story.  You'll feel like you're right in the middle of The Music Hall Royale in Victorian England!  Before the show and during intermission, enjoy the magical surroundings of this truly unique location.

​​Dinner Service:  Enjoy a delicious meal (vegan and gluten-free options available) featuring choice of barbecue beef or chicken sandwich, barbeque beef or chicken nachos, or cheese nachos. All meals include chips, dessert, and water.  Meal tickets can be redeemed either before the show (starting at 5:45) or during intermission.  Meal tickets can be redeemed either before the show (starting at 5:45) or during intermission. 

Join Us for This Unforgettable, Entertaining Evening!

Dinner & Show: Minimum donation $25/person 
Show Only:  Minimum donation $12/person
Donations above the minimum are tax-deductible.
​
WEDNESDAY
March 12 @ 6:30 pm
The online Box Office is closed but tickets are available at the door. A limited number of meals will be available for purchase on site.
THURSDAY
March 13 @ 6:30 pm
The online Box Office is closed but tickets are available at the door. A limited number of meals will be available for purchase on site.
FRIDAY
March 14 @ 6:30pm
The online Box Office is closed but tickets are available at the door. A limited number of meals will be available for purchase on site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this RPL production different?
Read Play Love is a non-profit organization that serves children of all ages through empower experiences in the art. While we generally write our musicals, customizing them so that every child has a role created just for them to shine - for this special event, we are presenting a special production of the Broadway Hit, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, performed by our talented ensemble of teens.  An audience-participation whodunit musical murder mystery is sure to be wildly entertaining!  THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC.

How do donation-basis reservations work?
​Our Read Play Love tradition is to take reservations on a donation basis. This way,  those who are able to donate more to support Read Play Love's fundraising campaign can do so, and if any family would find regular ticket prices cost prohibitive, they can donate what they can.   The donation model more closely reflects what RPL has always been: a heart-centered space that empowers children from all backgrounds to shine and do more than they think they can do, and brings families together to create an inclusive culture of love.

As we are serving meals with these performances, we have minimum donation amounts listed for evening performances and all ticket options including meals.  All donations support Read Play Love's mission to empower children through the arts and create an inclusive culture of love.   Donations above the minimum amount are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

Does every performance really have a different ending?
Yes - according to the audience's votes! This show was the first show on Broadway to have audience participation, and there are three different things that the audience votes on -- the murderer, the true identity of the mysterious detective Dick Datchery, and a pair of lovers (to ensure a happy ending!)  All of the characters have motive and means, so there is a lot to unpack as the audience plays detective and places their vote. With these different variables, every performance could end in a variety of ways! And....we have a thrilling    **SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT**: Stay after the Friday show for a special "alternate ending" performance, to see the confessions for the murderers that had not been voted during the show's run.

​What is the recommended age?
Suggested for age 10+ at parent's discretion. Content includes romance and innuendo, mild profanity, a Jekykll/Hyde type character, comedic stage combat, and drug/alcohol reference. Feel free to reach out to us if you have questions.

​About the Performance Location
The Backyard Venue is an enchantingly beautiful wedding event center just around the corner from Read Play Love.  The performance will take place in a climate-controlled handcrafted elegant barn, and outdoor pavilion areas offer beautiful backdrop for dinner and refreshments before the show and during intermission.  The folks who run The Backyard Venue are our wonderful neighbors, and we recommend their venue and services wholeheartedly for weddings and special events. Learn more about The Backyard here!


Is there assigned seating?
Seating is general admission, first-come, first-served.  Doors open 45 minutes prior to the performance start time.  You are welcome to grab your seat and then go pick up your meal, if you'd like to have your meal before the show begins.

When is the meal served?
At both venues, you can pick up your meal and beverage either before the show begins or during intermission.  At The Backyard, open containers of food are not allowed indoors, but you will be given a convenient container that closes, if you'd like to finish your meal at intermission. 

Do you accommodate dietary needs?
For meal options at all performances, delicious vegan and gluten-free options are available on request. When you make your reservation, there is a spot for you to request vegan or gluten-free options.  

Does the meal need to be reserved in advance?
We ask that you reserve your meal in advance, so that our dinner team can adequately prepare. Onsite meals will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.


What if I need to change the number of seats I reserved?
If the number of seats that you need increases, please make an additional reservation on this page.  If it decreases, please contact us with the updated number.  As seating is limited, this will help us open up seats to other families.

Do I need to bring a paper ticket?
Nope, there's nothing you need to keep track of!  Upon receiving your reservation, you will be added to a list with the number of seats your requested.  Simply check in upon your arrival. If you requested a meal, your meal ticket will be given to you when you arrive.

Is there a livestream or video option for this performance?
Unfortunately, there is not a livestreaming option for this production, which is licensed by Concord Theatricals. 


What is the run-time of the show?
Plan for 3 hours, which includes an extended 30-minute intermission, to allow time for the meal and visiting with friends!


Where can I get information about my child participating in Read Play Love?
RPL's Spring Schedule will be available soon!  Sign up for our newsletter in the form below to be notified as soon as our summer programs are announced!  You can also Like and follow our Facebook page to follow the latest news.

What if I have other questions?
We are happy to hear them!  The best way to contact us is through email.