Lakeland University explores classic macabre when it welcomes the work of the original prince of darkness -- Edgar Allan Poe – and his fantastic stories to Lakeland Theatre.
"Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe" will be staged at the Bradley Theatre on Nov. 14, 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 non-LU students and can be purchased online at Lakeland.edu/tickets.
Questioning his own madness, Poe invites us into the dark psyche of his mind in this highly theatrical production. He weaves a spell that draws us into the four tales he considered his best: "The Raven," "The Fall of the House of Usher," "The Pit and the Pendulum" and "The Tell-Tale Heart." Lakeland Theatre Director Charlie Krebs said this terrifying adventure captures the poetry of these timeless tales.
"We found many metaphysical elements to the show and we're presenting them postmodernly," Krebs said. "More than one actor is playing Poe to demonstrate the multiple and hidden faces of the poet. Through the presence of absence, the pendulum hurls itself through space, lower and lower.
"Five actors bring the raven to life. The house of Usher falls apart and Poe's paranoia makes him see many more cops than he should who don't hear the beating of the tell-tale heart. A much larger cast than is needed brings these characters richly and emotionally to life. Don't come if you're scared by these haunting stories."
CAST LIST:
Abby Kelly, Amber Keys, Bennett Josephs, Bora Ajdini, Chloe Skibinski, Dustin Holmer, Lee Chang, Megan Sullivan, Megan Zaczyk, Michael Abaszada, Michael Becker, Owen Rubenis, Sammy Pfister, Thomas Duckert.