On April 29 2026, the curtain had just fallen on The Return of Edwin Drood, but the air was still buzzing with excitement. Annabelle Duarte stood smiling as she reflected on the performance and the audience’s reaction. “It feels really good,” she said. “People seem to really like the show, and it’s amazing to have such positive reception.” For Duarte, the night was not just about performing, but about sharing the experience with her cast and audience.
During the final scene, Duarte focused on staying fully in character despite the pressure. “I was just really focusing on being in character,” she said. “There was pressure, of course, of having the audience, but it kind of slips away when you’re really in that moment.” Her ability to stay present helped her deliver a strong and memorable ending.
The role came with challenges, especially when it came to expressing deep emotion. “The emotion is difficult to portray, and when I’m able to get it, it feels really, really good,” Duarte explained. She also pointed to a highlight of the night. “I really liked my moment in scene five…that is one of my favorite parts of the show.”
Beyond the performance itself, Duarte gained valuable experience working with new people and building chemistry on stage. By the end of the night, the success of the show was clear, leaving both the cast and audience with a performance to remember.
