The Barnstormers Theater "The oldest continuously operating community theater in Pennsylvania..."
Poe, The Masquarade
Based upon the Works and Poetry of Edgar Allan Poe
Adapted for the stage by David Reyne
Finding himself in hospital recovering from a fever, Poe is aided by a kind-hearted nurse who asks for his story. Using his most famous works and poems, Poe weaves a tale of his triumphs and many tragedies... What is the story of Edgar Allan Poe? See 'Poe, The Masquerade' coming this fall!
Characters
Edgar Allan Poe
Eliza, Nurse to Poe
Roderick Usher
Lady Joanna, friend of Roderick
Madeline Usher
The Traveler
The Maiden of the Portrait
The Painter of the Portrait
John Allan, Step-father to Poe
Rev. Rufus Griswold, Rival to Poe
Maggie, a Murderess
The Prisoner of the Pit
The Countess
Montresor
Fortunado
Lady Fortunado
Prince Prospero
The Red Death
... and various Revelers, Valets, Officers, Courtiers and Muses
DEATH AND TAXES
WHAT TO PREPARE:
Please prepare 2 minute monolouge and be prepared to do a cold reading
SHOW AND CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:
Ever wonder what goes on at a small-town city council meeting? In Hendricks, they're looking for a murderer. Mayor Kathleen Lyles boldly announces that the meeting will be more like a coroner's jury than the usual round of arguments. Not only was a man murdered, but he was an employee of the IRS. "Somehow I don't feel that bad!" Carl Johansen says, as the sheriff clamps the cuffs on him, making him the prime suspect. Slowly it becomes apparent the entire city council had seen the man, and each of them seems to be hiding something. Who murdered the stranger? Was it Cora Sedgewick, who was still dizzy at the time from stepping on a rake and being thumped in the face with its handle? Or newspaper editor King, who's right on the spot to report the facts, if he could only find a pencil? Or maybe the mayor herself, who was doing her laundry in the back of city hall? This easy-to-stage intrigue is chock-full of small-town characters and hilarious dialogue. And, as an added bonus, it can be produced as an audience participation mystery where the audience can not only see the scene of the crime but also question the suspects.
Cast Breakdown
An Audience Participation Mystery Comedy
KATHLEEN LYLES. mayor of Hendricks, rather stylish, 45
EDDIE KING, editor of the Hendricks Herald, pushy, brash, mid-30s
LYDIA KLEFT, secretary at city hall, mousey, 25
WESLEY THORNE, the sheriff, built like a one-time football player, 30
CARL JOHANSEN, a sarcastic citizen, around 40
MATTIE JOHANSEN, Carl’s wife, a no-nonsense type, 30
CORA SEDGEWICK, the epitome of the nosy neighbor, mid-50s
DR. EFREM BISHOP, standard country doctor, quarrelsome man, around 55
EVELYN MARTINDALE, drama teacher with an eye for what’s correct and an ear for when ifs not, 30
AUDITION INFORMATION