David Jobling
REVIEW | Edgar Allan Poe-'once upon a midnight'
March 11th 2000 00:16
John Astin in Edgar Allan Poe-'once upon a midnight'
Arts Theatre .53 Angus Street, Adelaide
continues till 18th March
From the moment you hear John Astins sonorous voice emanating from a darkened stage to his exit with a delightful touch of magic Mr Astin holds the audience in the palm of his hand
Not the whirring of the air conditioner nor the outside traffic noise could break the spell Mr Astin weaves. With seemingly effortless ease, the passion, grief, madness and genius of Edgar Allan Poe is brought to life through the masterly stage craft of John Astins interpretation of this information, entertaining and on occasion humorous, script by Paul Dal Clemens and Ron Magid.
Complimenting these talents were the scenic concept artistry of John Boesche who combined stunning lighting effects and suitably atmospheric musical footnotes.
Edgar Allen Poe-'once upon a midnight' is a journey from his sad and lonely childhood through his adolescent and onto adulthood and finally, inevitably, death. We are introduced to the people who shaped Poe's life from his actor parents the Poe's, his foster parents, Eliza and John Allen and on his child bride, cousin Virginia.
Along the way we also meet Editors, Writers and his personal demons, drink and the ever present Crimson Death. An empty stage, one ladder, two chairs a desk and a voluminous carpet bag along with his well remembered devilish (Gomez Addams) grin is all Mr Astin needs to thrill his captive audience with this tale of love found and tragically lost, poverty, betrayal and insanity.
His rendition of The Raven in the second act is in its self worth the admission price 4 Stars because I would like to have seen it in a more intimate venue.
ERICA JOY DICKER
Arts Theatre .53 Angus Street, Adelaide
continues till 18th March
From the moment you hear John Astins sonorous voice emanating from a darkened stage to his exit with a delightful touch of magic Mr Astin holds the audience in the palm of his hand
Not the whirring of the air conditioner nor the outside traffic noise could break the spell Mr Astin weaves. With seemingly effortless ease, the passion, grief, madness and genius of Edgar Allan Poe is brought to life through the masterly stage craft of John Astins interpretation of this information, entertaining and on occasion humorous, script by Paul Dal Clemens and Ron Magid.
Complimenting these talents were the scenic concept artistry of John Boesche who combined stunning lighting effects and suitably atmospheric musical footnotes.
Edgar Allen Poe-'once upon a midnight' is a journey from his sad and lonely childhood through his adolescent and onto adulthood and finally, inevitably, death. We are introduced to the people who shaped Poe's life from his actor parents the Poe's, his foster parents, Eliza and John Allen and on his child bride, cousin Virginia.
Along the way we also meet Editors, Writers and his personal demons, drink and the ever present Crimson Death. An empty stage, one ladder, two chairs a desk and a voluminous carpet bag along with his well remembered devilish (Gomez Addams) grin is all Mr Astin needs to thrill his captive audience with this tale of love found and tragically lost, poverty, betrayal and insanity.
His rendition of The Raven in the second act is in its self worth the admission price 4 Stars because I would like to have seen it in a more intimate venue.
ERICA JOY DICKER
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