A tremendous performance that brought Poe's written words to life. Even with a minimalist "black box" set using only lighting and subtle sound effects I kept thinking I was seeing a bigger world. ...
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We have seen it all done before but never done better.
Complete Review Here: http://new.hollywoodgothique.com/hollwood-fringe-review-one-man-poe/...
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A brilliantly nuanced artist's portrayal makes Poe a must see experience. Stephen Smith's exquisite acting combined with the costumes, sound and lighting offer a gripping, visceral interpretation that infuses Poe with new life and meaning. The physical demands in some moments of Prisoner and the Pendulum are astonishing to watch. The whole experience demands our empathy. ...
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Being in a small dark room seeing Poe stories hauntingly delivered in the first person was chilling and right up my alley. Stephen and I actually became friends as a result of this show!
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SHARI BARRETTculver city news, broadway world lacertified reviewerJune 21, 2025
I have seen several productions of Poe poems and stories over the years. But none compared the artistry, intensity, and total immersion into his characters better than Stephen Smith. When I walked into the theater, he was sitting at a small and simple table composing a summary of the action sequence of an alcoholic who commits acts of great violence when drunk, often aimed at his beloved pet, a "black cat" devoted to him. Terrifying in the build up to the horrendous crimes he commits, for which he will pay the ultimate price the following day. Then after transforming into an elderly recluse with a bad eye in full view of the audience, he begins to bemoan the death of his beloved Lenore, then slowly falls into a terrorized victim of "The Rav...
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The production was well done. A gentleman writing as a small desk was on stage as the audience filed in. He then performed "The Black Cat" by Poe. Afterwards, the actor did a quick change and added make-up in view of the audience to deliver "The Raven" expertly....
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