Children's Theatre Presents THE TALES OF EDGAR ALLAN POE, 3/9-24

From the morbid mind of the master of the macabre comes "Tales of Edgar Allan Poe," featuring several of the famed writer's scariest stories. 

"The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Raven" and "The Cask of Amontillado" are just three of Poe's works getting a dramatic makeover at the Children's Theatre of Charlotte's latest production, March 9-24. Tickets start at $14, and while the show is family friendly, the suggested audience is kids 11 and older.

The show is a change of pace from some of the theatre's lighter works, but the show's director Alan Poindexter (also the Children's Theatre's artistic director) sees a connection. 

"(Poe's) ideas and his artistry were far in advance of his age in every way imaginable," said Poindexter. "Alfred Hitchcock, Agatha Christie, Stephen King, Clive Barker and Dean Koontz are but a few of the late 21st century artists who owe the very existence of their art form to the timeless work of Edgar Allan Poe."

The production puts a modern twist on several of Poe's most popular works, with a production design that features influences from Goth to emo to Tim Burton.  

Five actors take on several roles through the course of seven of Poe's most-famed short stories and poems. Among them are: A man is driven to insanity over the guilt of a murder in "Tell-Tale Heart," an insane woman seeks revenge on her family's biggest foe in "The Cask of Amontillado," the loss of true love is explored in "Annabel Lee" and a writer is haunted by his past through the form of an ever-present bird in "The Raven."   

Mark Sutton plays the murderer in "Tell-Tale." Last seen on Children's Theatre stage as the Cat in the Hat in "Seussical," Sutton sees connections between Poe and Dr. Seuss.

"They're not as different as you might imagine," he said. "The mischief of the Cat in the Hat is slightly beyond the realm of sanity, too, if you think about it – not merely playful. I believe Poe would've really liked Dr. Seuss." 

Debra Mein plays another killer in "Cask," a role not far removed from her last work as the evil Mrs. Driver in "The Borrowers." Playing back-to-back bad guys has been fun, said Mein. 

"I love the work – my job is to recognize, understand and bring to life some of the darker sides of human nature," she said. "There is something freeing about exploring those cruel, spiteful and vicious souls – they certainly have a strength of character that, although misguided, is particularly admirable." 

Tickets for the production are on sale now. For more information or to order, visit www.ctcharlotte.org or call 704-973-2828.

Children's Theatre of Charlotte is a national leader among theatres for young audiences, serving more than 300,000 young people and families annually with professional productions and innovative education initiatives.

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