The dark and stormy clouds that haunted the administration of Meadow Brook Theatre this past season have moved onstage where they belong – in "Murder by Poe," the suspense-and-laugh-filled season-opener that's a satisfying treat this Halloween season.
Playwright Jeffrey Hatcher, whose "Compleat Female Stage Beauty" pleased audiences and critics alike at the Hilberry Theatre last season, weaves together a handful of classic tales by the master of the macabre, Edgar Allan Poe, which are bound together by a mysterious woman in white who arrives at a mansion seeking shelter during a storm. "She's lost. So are we all," says one of the mansion's many spooky occupants – and that they are, for the house is a puzzle, and in order to spend the night, the confused woman must solve it.
Hatcher's script will delight fans of the 19th-century author, as he includes tales such as "The Black Cat" and "The Tell-Tale Heart" that reflect Poe's fascination with death and guilt, while "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" acknowledges him as a father of detective fiction. Together, these and the other stories are a fine sampling of Poe's influential and still-loved work, and Hatcher's own contribution – the final mystery to be solved – would make Poe proud.
So, too, would the strong performances given by director Travis W. Walter's troupe of polished actors. Most play several characters, and each is unique, carefully delineated and well-executed.
Dax Anderson (whose scarecrow-like build is perfectly suited to a show such as this) and Chris Korte (who excels at creepy, quirky roles) are especially impressive creating multiple roles. (One applause-generating moment has Korte quickly bringing to life several witnesses to a crime, with only a scarf and his creativity to distinguish one from the others.)
Other fine efforts are delivered by Tobin Hissong (who handles the storytelling elements of his role quite well), Kelly Komlen (the mystery woman), Jeff Thomakos and Judy Dery.
Meadow Brook's most gutsy decision, however – especially for a struggling theater in transition – was to assign a tech-heavy season-opener to a novice director. Walter, the troupe's young artistic administrator, has no experience directing such a large, main stage professional production, yet he acquits himself fairly well with "Poe." His strongest skill appears to be working with actors to interpret and develop their characters. However, the pacing on opening night was occasionally too slow and stage movement was non-existent at times to keep the audience's attention properly focused. (An early scene, for example, has plenty of chatter but nobody moves for a very long period of time.) And a few lines aren't staged to deliver the maximum punch.
Scenic designer Kristen Gribbin has built many surprises into her set, and Reid G. Johnson lights it well. And Corey T. Globke's costumes are perfect.
REVIEW:
'Murder by Poe'
Meadow Brook Theatre, 207 Wilson Hall, Rochester. Wed.-Sun. through Nov. 2. Tickets: $30-$39. For information: 248-377-3300 or http://www.mbtheatre.com.
