Scene & Heard

Enjoy the macabre: Grove hosts Oregon premiere of Poe musical

COTTAGE GROVE – Are you drawn to Gothic aesthetics and tragic stories? Do you have a taste for the macabre with elements of the Victorian era? If so, you might be a fan of Edgar Allan Poe. 

In that case, lovers of musicals, those seeking something unique, and fans of Poe will find Cottage Grove’s newest production captivating. 

Nevermore – The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe,” written and composed by Jonathan Christenson, is a fictionalized musical that dramatizes the writer’s tumultuous life. 

The non-fiction account of Edgar Allan Poe’s life is striking enough, marked by elements such as death, disease, addiction, a marriage to his underage cousin, and a rivalry with another writer that ultimately led to his financial downfall. 

The fictional version presented in this play addresses some of these themes but also portrays them in a surreal setting influenced by madness. The concept aims to explore the events in Poe’s life that inspired his horror writing, while also incorporating some creative liberties.

This play, “has had an impossible grip on me. There is so much about this show that makes it unique, and such a fascinating story to tell, combined with music that just sort of grips you on such a deep level,” said Kory Weimer, director. 

Directing and acting in a play requires a significant amount of effort, yet Weimer took on both roles.

“As a performer, it gave so many wonderful opportunities between every character that gets portrayed on stage, and as a director, so many chances to display the talents of my future cast and crew,” Weimer said. “I kept flip-flopping between the need to be a performer in it, and the want to direct it and guide the story to the vision.”

The final product was truly worth it, which came to life through the hard work and dedication of the cast and crew. 

Chris Carter, costume designer and assistant costume designer Jeff Carter, created a dark Victorian aesthetic with a whimsical, Tim Burton-esque style that was visually striking with each change of costume. 

“I love the design, the outfits, the acting in general,” said theater-goer Emma DuPont of Cottage Grove on opening night. “It’s one of the best plays I’ve watched.”

Dylan Bunten played his villainous role so well that it made me hate him, and when he switched to his role of madness, I was creeped out. 

Cottage Theatre boasts this play will be a gripping ride through “fantastic terrors never felt before.” The website warns that this play contains mature themes and is not recommended for small children.

This is the Oregon’s premiere of “Nevermore,” which means you’ve never seen a play like this before, and you might not for a while again. 

The play runs through June 22 at the Cottage Theatre, 700 Village Drive in Cottage Grove. Tickets and more info: cottagetheatre.org

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