Hungry for Poe
Readings and events at Byers-Evans house provide unique entertainment for Halloween
By Heather Wahle
hwahle@mscd.edu
With the pace and language of poetry, the precise vocabulary of an eloquent mortician and the dark themes of the best fireside ghost story, each reading of Edgar Allan Poe's haunting poems and short stories is sure to summon chills.
The talented cast of The Hunger Artists Ensemble Theatre gives endless frights with each masterfully performed piece.
Poe provides material that is classically thrilling, combining frightening prose with dramatic elements. Hunger Artists Ensemble Theatre has hosted the production "An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe" for four years.
photo by Leah Bluntschli bluntsch@mscd.edu
Director Kevin Gramar stands near a dinner table in the Byers-Evans House Museum,which has been decorated like a 1920s-era Halloween party. The museum, one of Denver's great historic homes, offers Halloween-themed events in October, including readings of Edgar Allen Poe stories and poems by the Hunger Artists Ensemble.
At first, the actors anticipated that their readings of vintage Poe would be witnessed by a select few interested in traditional suspense. With the constant presence of gory horror movies in the theaters and on television, one might assume that most people crave cinematic violence over psychological terror. However, classic scares still attract large audiences.
The Poe readings have consistently enthralled audiences, who often request that they return each year, making the Halloween production a new tradition.
"An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe," is presented in the historic Byers-Evans House at 1310 Bannock Street. The house, constructed in 1883, has been preserved as a museum. The beautiful Victorian house is the perfect setting for the literary horror classics such as "The Raven," considered by many to be Poe's most famous poem.
The Byers-Evans house has had claims of ghost sightings and many rumors circulate that the stately mansion is haunted. The atmosphere of such a mysterious residence increases the suspense throughout the performance.
Ensemble cast member Daniel Langhoff portrays many characters in the works of Poe, such as an unlucky cat owner in "The Black Cat" and a crazed wine connoisseur in 'The Cask of Amontillado." Langhoff's energetic performance was a highlight of the show. Steve Pardun, a UCD senior, also brings well-crafted renditions of a prisoner in "The Pit and the Pendulum" and a guilt-filled murderer in "The Tell-Tale Heart." Tenured actor Verl Hite, who has been active in theatrics in the Denver area for the past 30 years, brings his years of expertise to "The Raven." Amy Ratliff, Laura Ione and Dell Domnik, who also contribute to an evening of frightening entertainment, round out the ensemble.
Poe's dark tales transplant the audience to another era as the tradition of stories read aloud is continued in its most capturing form. The theatrical performance of the classic twisted tales is a delightful change from the conventional scares of the Halloween season.
The Byers-Evans house offers guided tours in the safety of daylight from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. The tours are provided by the Colorado Historical Society and cost $3.
Tickets to "An Evening With Edgar Allan Poe" presented by The Hunger Artists Ensemble Theatre are $15 each or 2 for $20. Student discounts are offered. Performances are held until Nov. 6, Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Sunday Oct.30 from 6-8 p.m. A special Halloween performance is also scheduled. Make reservations early, seating is limited. To purchase tickets call (303)893-5438.
On Sunday, Oct. 29, the Byer-Evans house will also host "The Spirit of Halloween" from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a holiday celebration geared towards families and small children.
Events will include games, fortunes, historic decorations and crafts.