What I liked
Those familiar with Poe will be in awe and those new to Poe will be ignited. Stephen is so powerful he makes Poe’s writing seem better heard than read in order to truly understand it. I will never forget the power of Stephen’s ability to make me see what the character is seeing—there are no literal set pieces or props yet I could picture it all: the room, the wall the terrifying pendulum, the rats, the bandages the corpse. It’s glorious horror.
What I didn't like
It all works. Don’t change a thing. The beauty of this sort of theater is that if at any point your senses become overwhelmed, it’s possible to look away and give your eyes a break to listen for a moment.
My overall impression
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.
