Playcrafters in Moline Presents Collection of Edgar Allan Poe Tales
Another killer play is coming to Playcrafters Barn Theatre, with “Murder by Poe,” by Jeffrey Hatcher, presented at the Barn, 4950 35th Ave., Moline, at 7:30 p.m. Fridays Aug. 7 and 14, Saturdays Aug. 8 and 15, and at 3 p.m. Sundays Aug. 9 and 16.
Playcrafters, in its 97th year, presents “Murder by Poe,” a 2003 adaptation of several Poe favorites delivered in an eerie, humorous way. Written by Jeffrey Hatcher and directed by Pam Cantrell, “Murder by Poe” is about an enigmatic traveler who discovers a dark residence where she encounters figures with haunting accounts. These stories—drawn from the legendary macabre repertoire of Poe—unfold as an eerie tapestry of suspense.
With its clever storytelling and ghostly atmosphere, the production promises a thrilling and accessible show for audiences of all ages, said first-time director Cantrell.
Jonna Hicks-Bird (left) as Cat’s wife and Emma Terronez as Pluto from “The Black Cat.” (photo by Michael Bitterman)
“There are plenty of surprises for even the biggest Poe fan,” she said recently. “While there are certainly plenty of spooky elements, there will be no shortage of opportunities to laugh as well.”
Cantrell has performed in numerous plays in the Quad Cities, including the Genesius Guild’s “Love’s Labour’s Lost” as Madam Holofernes; as Frau Schmidt in the Music Guild’s production of “The Sound of Music,” and as Hertha Ayrton in “The Half-Life of Marie Curie” at The Black Box Theatre. Previous Playcrafters productions include “Little Women,” “Witness to the Prosecution,” Life Sucks,” and “Girls’ Weekend.”
Cantrell is excited to take on the new challenge of directing and she hopes audiences will enjoy what she and the brilliant cast and crew have created.
Drew DeKeyrel as C. Auguste Dupin and Alicia Leonard as Queen from “The Purloined Letter.” (photo by Michael Bitterman)
“I guess I was having so much fun acting, that I just kept doing that. Edgar Allan Poe was probably one of my first favorite authors in junior high, as a result I went through a phase where I wore only black and enjoyed the macabre, be it literature or music,” she said by email, noting some of her favorite Poe works are “The Raven,” “The Tell Tale Heart,” “The Cask of Amontillado,” and “The Masque of the Red Death.”
Director Pam Cantrell
“I’m always looking for new adventures/challenges in theatre and this seemed like a logical next step,” Cantrell said of directing. “Whether it is character development, learning harmonies, creating vision for a set, or working with other actors, I think being involved in theater helps keep my brain active and young. What I love most about ‘Murder by Poe’ by Jeffrey Hatcher is that it is Poe that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It certainly has chilling moments, but there are some great opportunities for laughter as well. Finding a balance between the two is also a challenge, one that I hope audiences think I’m ready for.”
Patrons who save their tickets can receive 50% off the Poe drink at Dead Poets Espresso Ltd., 1525 3rd Avenue A, Moline. Tickets are $16 or $18, available at playcrafters.com or by calling 309-762-0330.
Paul Hansen as Heart, from “A Tell Tale Heart” in Playcrafters’ new “Murder by Poe.” (photo by Michael Bitterman)
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