Deep Into That Darkness Peering

would have been damn close to perfect if it was thirty minutes shorter.

Saw this "musical play" tonight and was enthralled by the highly imaginative production, its unique style and particularly the costumes. The fact that the entire text is written in rhyme and meter to match Poe's style is a brilliant conceit. My hunch is that the director aims to create a distance between production concept and audience, an "alienation" effect which Berthold Brecht used to prevent the audience from identifying with the characters on stage. The actors possess well-modulated stage voices with excellent enunciation except for Garrett Ross, who portrays David Poe and Jock Allen, whose voice I found a bit mushy and I had trouble understanding his lines.

Unfortunately, the one musical theme that is being repeated ad nauseam throughout the play quickly caused mental fatigue and indicated to me a poverty of melodic invention, but the recitatives created an effective bridge.

I agree Ms. Soloski that the show is somewhat monotonous, but it's not the story that's at fault, it's the unvarying music and indifferent lyrics. Many people are happy with little more than a groove and don't mind the monotony; but those who require more than that will find this somewhat dull.

This reviewer did not understand this material. Ignore her review. I saw Nevermore the other night and I really enjoyed it. Having read the review first, I was nearly persuaded not to go and that would have been a huge mistake. The writing, directing, performances, costumes, songs were are all excellent. There's sadness and darkness but there's also plenty of wit with a sprinkling of humor.

Brilliant! Thanks Mr Christenson and Catalyst for an incredible show. Managed to see Nevermore and The Lion King whilst on a weekend visit to NY - the latter was great but I preferred Nevermore. It was unique.
I'm still thinking about the peeled mouse and his decorative form on the costumes not to mention the poor man's life. How did Mr Christenson manage to weave such humour into that? I haven't thought too much about The Lion King since.

Scott Shepley's mesmerizing recital of The Raven was a spectacular "moment" in a phenomenal theatrical production...Thank you Scott

We went, with our three teenagers, to the opening night and were all mesmerised from start to finish.
Although the show recounts the unfortunate life of Edgar and follows a tragic theme, there are many moments of great humour.
Stripped of the 'razzle dazzle' seen in many musicals, the talents of all involved are exposed in purest form. The performances - acting, singing, movement and narrative - are faultless. Breathtakingly clean. The simple stage design, lighting and music were staggeringly effective.
Christenson, the Director, is clearly a man of immense talent. We will be looking out for his future productions.

Poe is about affect. His rhythms are created to entrance the reader. I would attend this show just because it is about Poe, who did a tremendous amount of work during his short, troubled life. I'm glad someone hs brought him to the stage, even if the context is somewhat "The Conqueror Worm."

We saw Nevermore last week, and it was chosen, because it seemed that the show would be different than the usual Broadway productions, we were not disappointed!
The costuming was wonderful, and the singing exceptional and although we did not leave the theater humming the music, it was well worth the visit !

Advice to reviewer: Lighten up. The company never took the material as half as seriously as Ms. Soloski does. The steampunk costumes and much of the performance were clearly tongue in cheek and at times highly amusing despite the tragic events in Poe's short life. Quoth the raven: ignore this review. NEVERMORE is a thoroughly engrossing and entertaining concoction, a worthy successor to Tiger Lillies' SHOCKHEADED PETER.

With all due respect to Mr. Soloski, methinks he completely missed the point. Pretty much historically accurate, "Nevermore" is quite a stunning ode to the luckless genius, Poe. It's a work Poe himself could have written and certainly would appreciate. It's fresh and engaging and a tour de force in every way. From text to music to costumes to the performances of an inspired cast, "Nevermore" is a theatrical experience that audiences should run, not walk, to see. Perhaps Mr. Soloski would be best assigned to cover the works of Walt Disney on Broadway and leave the heavy lifting to other reviewers.

Saw the show Saturday and my wife and I were completely enthralled. The show, though Goth in nature, is not so much morose as it is truly touching in learning of the truly difficult life that Poe lived. And it is exceedingly accurate for such a medium. The acoustics of the room are fantastic and the writing is phenomenal as the songs tell the story with clarity. The costumes are striking as is the minimal set design and ingenious lighting. Ultimately some of the songs become almost anthemic and draw the audience emotionally to the astounding crescendos. I am happy to have attended this endearing work and applaud the daring and creativity of all involved in the production. Would be worth a trip to NYC simply for the sole purpose of seeing this production.