Back for the fourth year, Q Artistry’s Cabaret Poe remains a delightful addition to the Halloween entertainment choices in the city. Based on the writings of Edgar Allan Poe, the show interprets the macabre stories and poems of the master of horror. Ben Asaykwee, a fan of Poe’s literature for many years, wrote the music to Poe’s words, plus adapted the stories and poems to the stage.
Starring in the production are Renae Stone as the red-headed and somewhat maniacal Morella, and the sweetly sinister Julie Lyn Barber as Bereniece, with Asaykwee as Zoilus. Weaving in and out of the set at appropriate times are two dancing shadows, Sara Williams and Amelia Smith, who creep and slink about the stage as representatives of Death.
The original music set to Poe’s poetic masterpiece “Annabelle Lee” is haunting — in a good way. Additionally, original pieces such as the funny “Buried Alive” and “Cabaret Poe” title song are hum-worthy. Stone’s beautiful spoken rendition of “The Raven” recasts the lost Lenore of the poem as a dead child, rather than a lost romantic love — the change brings an entirely different perspective on the poem. Another standout is the three characters reciting “The Bells” in perfect synchronicity.
Some of the stories adapted include “The Cask of Amontillado,” “The Black Cat,” “The Fall of the House of Usher,” “The Pit and the Pendulum,” “The Masque of the Red Death,” “William Wilson,” and “The Tell-Tale Heart.” The whole cast does a bang-up job of acting out the classic stories, remaining faithful to the original texts as much as possible. Asaykwee, Barber and Stone can play for laughs, but are equally effective in providing genuine frights.
Updates to this year’s Cabaret Poe include better lighting and sound, which were good before but are outstanding now. The small stage is used to good effect, including a tomb that doubles as part of the stage. While you’re in the theatre at 5515 E. Washington St., take note that you are in Masonic Lodge #666, a place noted for its ghosts and odd happenings — Cabaret Poe is a natural fit for the stage.
Cabaret Poe plays every weekend through October. Get tickets in advance; they sell out fast. The show is family friendly for children over 10 years of age and tickets can be purchased for $18-20 online at www.qartistry.org or over the phone at 1-800-838-3006.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, please visit qartistry.org or e-mail info@qartistry.org
