It has been 10 years since Cabaret Poe debuted in Irvington to a small but appreciative crowd. Soon, word of the innovative musical caught the attention of fans of the macabre and the works of Poe, and a hit was born. After years of performance at the Lodge in Irvington, Cabaret Poe moved to Theatre on the Square (now the District Theatre), and now to a new home, the brand new Phoenix Theatre at 705 N. Illinois.
Songwriter/director/actor Ben Asaykwee takes center stage as Zoilus, recreating the Poe stories of “The Cask of Amontillado,” “The Fall of the House of Usher,” “The Black Cat,” and “William Wilson.” Zoilus is assisted by Morella (Renae Stone in our performance, who originated the role; Georgeanna Smith Wade will play the part in other shows), the gleefully mad companion in “Amontillado” and “Usher,” main character in “The Masque of the Red Death,” as well as the performer of the evocative song set to “Anabelle Lee” and victim in “The Pit and the Pendulum.” Bereniece (Jaddy Ciucci in our performance, with the role originated by Julie Lyn Barber) is the other accomplice, the sweet murderess in “The Tell-Tale Heart,” and the singer of “The Conquering Worm.” Everyone gets some time to show off their considerable chops in a rendition of “The Bells” and an original song based on Poe’s “The Premature Burial.” The Shadow Dancer (Rebekah Taylor) who represents death, also has more to do than in previous productions, handing characters items from the shadows and moving props as well as performing original modern dance.
The show is a great introduction to Poe’s work as a poet and story writer, thanks to Asaykwee’s adaptation of the original works that makes the Victorian author’s words come to life. With the larger stage at the Phoenix dressed as a graveyard, and state-of-the-art lighting systems, Cabaret Poe has a fresh look and more room for the actors and audience. Scenic Designer Michael Lamirand has created a balanced, but sufficiently creepy, set that also includes elements of the original.
The 10th Anniversary of Cabaret Poe is also marked with some new Poe merchandise — a cool coloring book created by local artists. For only $10, you can take a book home and color to your (tell-tale) heart’s content.
The new Phoenix Theatre is a welcome addition to the Indianapolis arts scene right on the Cultural Trail.
Tickets sell out quickly; visit PhoenixTheatre.org or call 317-635-7529 for availability and prices. The show runs through November 4.
