The Poe Show
What could go wrong when a group of patients at the Sunnyvale Insane Asylum decide to put on an evening of Edgar Allan Poe works for the public? A lot. With tongue-in-cheek comedy, and a host of kooky characters, this wild romp provides a uniquely theatrical take on such Poe classics as “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Raven,” and many more. Beware, though, there are surprises within, and things may not always be what they seem. Muhahaha! Running time: 60 minutes
Productions
Behind The Scenes
With Jonathan Yukich
What inspired you to write this play?
I’ve always liked Poe, even as a kid. I wanted to find a fresh, fun angle to adapt some of his short stories. When the insane asylum idea came to me, I knew I had something. It allowed me a way to dramatize these stories within an original, and modern, context. From there I was able to create a premise that would create a play-within-a-play dynamic that I thought would be exciting and appealing to a lot of theaters and schools.
What's your favorite part or line in the play? Why?
Without giving too much away, I really like the twist at the end. It’s unexpected and it also makes the play itself a kind of Poe-esque story on its own.
Where did the characters come from? Are they based on people you know?
I’m relieved to report that NONE of the characters are based on people I know. I tried to create characters who were a little spooky and odd, but not so dark as to weigh down the light-hearted, comedic core of the play.
What did you try to achieve with this play?
To find an original way to make Poe accessible and exciting (and even funny) to a variety of different audiences and ages.
Do you have anything else to say?
I hope people have as much fun seeing it and performing it as I did writing it!