Edgar Allan Poe stands alone in the flickering darkness of his mind, trying desperately to convince himself – and us – that he’s not mad. The spell he weaves brings us a highly theatrical adaptation of four tales Poe himself considered his best: “The Raven,” “The Fall of the House of Usher,” “The Pit and the Pendulum,” and “The Tell-Tale Heart.” Enter the world of Poe and check your heartbeat at the door.
Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston in 1809. A poet, writer, editor, and literary critic, Poe was a master of mystery, psychological terror, gothic horror, and the macabre. In Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe, playwright Eric Coble introduces us to a Poe who is struggling with questions of his own sanity as he hauntingly spirals into madness.
Under the direction of John Sivak, Spencer Theatre Company presents a limited run production at the Hoogland Center for the Arts:
Thursday, October 12: Doors open at 7pm, performance at 8pm
Friday, October 13: Doors open at 7pm, performance at 8pm
Saturday, October 14: Doors open at 2pm, performance at 3pm
Saturday, October 14: Doors open at 7pm, performance at 8pm
Cast:
Poe: Michael S. Krcil
Roderick Usher: Michael Clair
Edgar: Brandon Davis
Madeline Usher: Kristin Wheeler
Raven: Avi McDaniel
Sante: Elise Willow
Old Man: Terry Schoppenhorst
Policeman #1: Jeff Guy
Policeman #2: Eden Lyons
Additionally, a “Poe Experience” will accompany each performance featuring a macabre art display by the Sangamon Watercolor Society; photo station by the Boo Crew Haunted House, cash bar with special Poe themed beverages, special guests and vendors. In celebration of the Halloween season, attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite Poe character and enter a drawing for the chance to win a prize package to be given away after each performance. Doors open one hour before performance time and remain open until one hour afterwards.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for seniors (over 60) and students. Call 217-523-2787 for tickets or order online at www.hctfa.org.
