The department of global languages and theatre arts presents a musical fusion of rock ‘n’ roll, impressive choreography and gothic literature’s biggest name.
Jonathan Christenson’s “Nevermore: The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe” is a musical inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s famous works and tragic life. In the fictional account of the days leading up to his death, Poe (the character) is plagued by hallucinations from his past and his stories as he struggles against the adversarial Raven.
Lissa Graham-Schneider (she/they), theatre professor and director of the show, said “Nevermore” is one of their favorite musicals because of their appreciation for Poe’s works and the gothic aesthetic.
“It uses Edgar Allan Poe kind of as a vehicle to tell the story of a man who is dying and learning to accept death,” they said.
This musical includes 20 actors, 12 crew members, four management staff, four artistic staff and a pit orchestra. Graham-Schneider said preparing “Nevermore” has been a long road between production meetings starting last December and five to six day rehearsal weeks since the cast list was posted on Jan. 27.
Billy Hobson, senior theater major, has had to fill an onstage role in the production alongside his responsibilities as assistant director. He said “Nevermore” has prepared him for directing his own show next fall semester.
“The entire production has been quite a challenge … but it’s also been a very rewarding experience,” Hobson said. “It has been fun. We’ve got a fantastic cast, and everybody has been such a delight to work with.”
“Nevermore’s” distinctive style is strengthened by innovative tech elements and set pieces, including a turntable, smoke machine, sound effects and lighting to evoke its rock ‘n’ roll atmosphere.
“There’s a lot of story that is told with the set, sound and lights alone,” Hobson said. “You will really have to watch with a keen eye to see all the little references and details to Poe and his stories.”
Graham-Schneider said the audience will enjoy the choreography, overseen by adjunct professor Cassidy Edwards, because of its nontraditional blend of styles and very physical movements.
Ja’Nae Puckett, postgraduate theatre student, plays The Raven. She said this role allows her to improvise movements and use her tumbling and gymnastics experience in a new way because her character does not speak or sing.
“I am finding ways to express The Raven’s eerie, otherworldly quality, while still grounding it in Poe’s human experience,” Puckett said. “She is both haunting and, in a strange way, deeply empathetic. I am so excited to bring this character to life.”
“Nevermore” begins at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 24 through Saturday, April 26, and at 2:30 on Sunday, April 27. The Robert E. Jackson Theatre is located on the first floor of Price Doyle Fine Arts.
Murray State students, staff and faculty with valid ID have free admission. General admission tickets cost $20.
“(‘Nevermore’) is going to be very different than stuff people have seen before, and that’s part of why I love it,” Graham-Schneider said. “I think now that this show is available in the United States, it’s gonna be huge.”
Warnings for the show include bright lights, fog effects, blood and implied child abuse.
