A mystery in time for Christmas - Jim Norton in “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” on Broadway

Cahir O'Doherty reviews revival of the 1985 musical The Mystery of Edwin Drood

Norton’s theater training at Dublin’s Gate Theatre in the 1960s saw him earn his stripes in the company of fellow greats like Milo O’Shea. 

“It was me and Milo doing 16 different sketches a night. That’s when I learned the quick-change characterization, which helps me in this show,” says Norton.

“The Victorian theater fascinates me and Dublin is a great place to grow up in if you love theater. What I noticed was that vocally they were extraordinary. That’s what I’m trying to bring to the role I play.”

To be on stage with Rivera is like being plugged into the national grid, Norton says. 

“There’s so much energy and generosity of spirit. All the young actors adore her and she’s so helpful with them all. It’s a very happy show to work in,” he offers.

Norton is fascinated by the stylistic differences between Irish and American actors which become apparent in the show. But the real element of danger comes in opening up the show to the public by breaking the fourth wall. Asking the general public for their opinions is always a dangerous enterprise, but doing it every night and at two matinees is asking for trouble.

“You’re up there on a high wire without a net every time,” explains Norton. 

“Anything can happen and sometimes it does because we can never anticipate. Last night the actress the audience selected to be the murdered found out whilst she was still onstage. She had to come back on and start a huge improvisation. It’s a new show every night.”

McPherson fans will also be delighted to hear that Norton is in talks to star in a new play by the Dublin-based playwright on Broadway in 2013. 

“He has a new play about which nothing can be said yet. But we’ll see how things work out whether I’ll be free to do it,” says Norton.

Back on Broadway, twice in the same year, it’s the best of times for Norton.

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Nster.com