Taylor High School brought Edgar Allen Poe back to life in a series of stylized presentations of his short stories and poetry in Poe's Midnight Dreary.

This dramatization takes place the night of Poe's dramatic death, as he screams incoherently on a hospital bed, tormented by a series of dreams and visitations by his familiar characters.

Poe's Midnight Dreary was brilliantly staged with an emphasis on the artistic aspect of theater. The set was predominantly black with changing accent colors that carried the theme for each segment. Great jagged mirrors reinforced that it was all a horrific dream.

Nick Helton, as Poe, created a memorable interpretation of the mind and inner thoughts of the famous poet. The only character costumed to the period, Helton illustrated his character's troubles.

Kyle Smith delivered an unforgettable performance as Bertram from the "Tell Tale Heart" and the Second Doctor in "The Premature Burial." This actor understood his character's macabre feelings and performed fittingly.

The chorus, costumed in black with differentiating colors for each tale, executed a chanting rhythm, like a heart beat, that added to the chilling nightmare. The ensemble acted as a unit, stressing the importance of the featured performer's words. Their best scenes were in "The Raven" and "Annabel Lee."

The part of the Raven was performed by Lydia Alfrey. Although this character had no lines, her very presence on the stage demanded attention, especially her splendid costume. The Raven entered with a mix of horror and magnificence, a feathered spectacle of ingenious design.

Although the overall use of makeup in this show wasn't superior, the lighting, set creation and general effect were marvelous. The lighting, especially, established the mood of the play, using contrasting colors to create a sense of mystery.

Valerie Gerlock, Fairfield High School

EXCERPTS:

Strong imagery was used throughout the show with the players' use of props highlighted especially well in "The Black Cat" when poor Pluto (Heather Hudson) was hanged. Perhaps the most dynamic image was displayed through the use of sky-blue scarves as the chorus surrounded Poe's wife, Virginia (Amy Kamphaus), when she was swallowed into the sea during "Annabel Lee."

Allison Gibson, Fairfield High School

The entire cast of this show was commendable, since each person, whether in a big or small role, strongly carried his or her part to support one another. Also, the chorus created a nice dramatic effect by at times sharing the dialogue between individual characters.

Sarah Drake, Fairfield High School

As Bertram, Kyle Smith brought the show to another level. The intensity he showed in narrating "The Telltale Heart" was indescribable. He used such feeling that a person would think he was actually going mad. Even his red shirt portrayed his evil and insane personality.

Allison Muennich, Mount Notre Dame High School

The props and effects were designed by the students themselves and were truly striking. The costumes seemed to be a mixture of different time periods with Poe wearing a 19th-century outfit and the ensemble dressed in modern clothing. Though this could be confusing, the different-colored scarves worn by the chorus matched the lighting and overall color of the scene, a significant costume decision by Kimmi Bingle and Ashley LaCalamento.

Ann Royse, St. Ursula Academy

Edgar Allan Poe (Nick Helton) was a stirring and disturbing character, hard to portray due to Poe's morbid nature and insanity. Helton took to the role beautifully. He was gothic and painfully detached from the world. You could see the insanity in him and in how he festered in a life of little hope or joy.

Kevyn Babbitt, Harrison High School

Doug Griffiths as Zachary displayed emotions that brought out the psychotic side of his character after he killed his own cat.

Ben Watts, Harrison High School

Amber Lacher's cleverly designed set included a steep ramp leading to imposing double doors, and jagged-edged mirrors which enhanced the queasy sort of unease evoked by the stories. This, combined with the lighting that draped the stage in eerie colors, kept the audience on edge throughout.

Miriam Reuter, St. Ursula Academy