For almost 175 years, the work of Edgar Allan Poe has haunted the imaginations of his readers. Though mostly known for his tales of horror, Poe also wrote poetry, satire and nonfiction.
On Tuesday, Oct. 31, at 8 p.m., the main focus will be on the dark side of Poe when Windmill Productions presents “Intervals of Sanity: A Trio of Poe Reader’s Theatre” at the Holland Theatre.
“Poe and Halloween are kind of partners in crime,” director Kris Swisher said. “When you think of Poe, you think of spooky, mysterious, dark. And even though I like the more fun side of Halloween — trick or treat and kids in costumes — the other is there. That haunted side was the experience I was looking for.”
Ten local actors will read three of Poe’s short stories: “The Masque of the Red Death,” “Lionizing” and “The Cask of Amontillado.” In the first, medieval partygoers try to escape a deadly plague by taking refuge in a prince’s castle.
The second part, “Lionizing,” is one of Poe’s satirical works, which shows how absurd, empty and temporary fame and fortune can be.
In the final tale, a madman uses a rare bottle of wine to lure a friend to his death.
When Swisher started looking for a Halloween presentation, she was impelled to find something Poe-related. In her search, this script “blew off the page.” She followed that up by putting together a topnotch cast and crew.
The reader’s theatre style of performing simply means the actors hold their scripts and move very little around the stage, if at all. It also lends itself to a bare-bones set with a limited need for costumes and props.
In other words, it focuses on the actor’s vocal expression to convey the story. Poe’s deft and powerful way with words makes his work ideally suited for reader’s theatre.
Additional talent on Tuesday night will present some of Poe’s poetry, including “The Raven” and “The Haunted Palace.” And Mark Amidon will perform a musical version of the tragic tale of “Annabel Lee.”
Tickets for “Intervals of Sanity” cost $15 each and are available online at theholland.org or can be purchased at the door. Attendees are invited to wear their Halloween best or follow the cast’s lead and dress all in black.
The cast of “Intervals of Sanity: A Trio of Poe Readers Theatre” takes a break during their final rehearsal before their performance at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31, at the Holland Theatre. This literary presentation features a collection of Edgar Allan Poe’s most macabre and memorable works, including “The Masque of the Red Death” and “The Raven.” (SUSIE JARVIS PHOTO)
