Nevermore: The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgard Allan Poe
Written and Composed by Jonathan Christenson
Directed by Justin Been
Choreographed by Maggie Nold
Stray Dog Theatre
October 10, 2024
Drew Mizell (center) and Cast
Photo by John Lamb
Stray Dog Theatre
It’s October, and it’s common for theatre companies to do a “spooky” show in keeping with Halloween. Stray Dog is getting in the spirit of the season with a fascinating, well-staged bio-musical about famed 19th Century writer Edgar Allan Poe, who is best known for the dark subject matter of some of his poems and stories. It’s a small cast show with most cast members playing several roles, and it has a pre-recorded soundtrack backing the singers, but what shines forth in this production especially is the high quality of the singing, as well as the look and overall dark and mysterious tone of the show.
The story is told largely in flashback, as the famous writer Poe (Drew Mizell) is traveling on a train and meets a troupe of actors who recognize him and start acting out his story. The group of six players (Michael Cox, Heather Fehl, Stephen Henley, Kevin O’Brien, Dawn Schmid, and Sara Rae Womack) join in telling Poe’s story, which each of the performers playing several roles. The story follows Poe from his childhood with his parents–who are also performers–and his siblings Henry and Rosalie. As he gets older, he and his siblings are orphaned and sent to live with different families, with Edgar staying with Jock and Fanny Allan, who influence his life in various ways. In young adulthood, Edgar becomes involved with kindred spirit Elmira, who likes his dark and creepy stories and has some of her own, but her parents don’t approve and encourage her to marry into a “better” family. The story then follows the ups and downs of Edgar’s career as a writer, as well as personal struggles with substance abuse, along with his marriage to his young cousin Virginia “Sissy” Clemm. The important biographical points are covered, if sometimes out of order, with the ominous and mysterious tone being kept up throughout, leading up to some surprising revelations and an emotional ending.
The score is pervasive and memorable, with a pre-recorded soundtrack (which was apparently required to be used), which works reasonably well even though I don’t prefer them. The music utilizes the ranges of the singers well, especially the fantastic Mizell’s crystal clear higher range. Mizell has loads of presence as Poe, with a stunning voice and impressive emotional range. The entire cast is strong, as well, with the supporting players handling their multiple roles well. Particular standouts include Schmid as the kind but troubled Fanny Allan and as the devoted Sissy; Womack as the delightfully quirky Elmira; and Henley as Poe’s optimistic and loyal older brother Henry. Everyone has excellent moments, and the ensemble singing is marvelous.
The show looks great, with an ominous tone maintained by a purple-and-black color palette and a clever multi-level set by director Justin Been. Sarah Gene Dowling’s costumes are also a highlight, with impressive detail and style. The lighting by Tyler Duenow dazzles, emphasizing the shadows and changing moods in the story, and there’s also good work from sound designers Been and Wade Staples–although it was somewhat difficult to hear the singers at the beginning–as well as music director Jennifer Buchheit.
Nevermore is an ideal show for the Halloween season, especially for fans of Gothic horror and mystery, and Poe in particular. Bolstered by a top-notch leading performance and an excellent ensemble, this is a show that’s both entertaining and appropriately unsettling. It’s an educational experience, as well, and a thoroughly memorable production.
Cast of Nevermore
Photo by John Lamb
Stray Dog Theatre
Stray Dog Theatre is presenting Nevermore: The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe at the Tower Grove Abbey until November 2, 2024
