BWW Reviews: NEVERMORE - THE IMAGINARY LIFE & MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF EDGAR ALLAN POE, Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording

Nevermore: The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allen Poe was originally produced in Edmonton where it received high acclaim and won seven Sterling Awards which honour excellence in theatre. It then went on to perform across Canada as well as performing in London in 2010 and Off-Broadway for eight weeks earlier this year. The musical play is dubbed as a theatrical experience and based on the vibrancy of the design, it certainly looks every inch the spectacle. Following demand, Broadway Records recently released the Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording.

The album is incredibly well produced and the quality of the recording is superb. Reading up on the synopsis is definitely the way forward before listening if you are not familiar with the work. Although the storytelling is quite clear, it is wholly extravagant which sometimes can be a little confusing for the listener as it is very fast paced. I'd imagine that watching the show is a lot easier than hearing it. There is a variety of music genres that the composition delves into and although that can seem a touch sporadic, it makes sense based on the emotional struggles that Poe faces throughout his relatively short life. The circus element is reflected in the entire design of the production and it is enjoyable when this creeps into the composition by Jonathan Christenson. This aside, there is great sadness emitted initially from the 'Death of Eliza' and then revisited during the progression of the score - the music is incredibly haunting in places.

Christenson wrote the script as well as the music and the book is factual and fictional in equal measure. A realistic concept is definitely not in Christenson's vision but clever referencing is made to his popular short stories and poems. The only thing I'm not keen on is the cartoon image portrayed by Poe's love interests, Elmira and Sissy. It's too acidic for my tastes and not an easy listen.

The vocal work displayed on the album by the company is excellent and really stands out in 'We Are Your Nightmares'; Christenson's arranging and Gary Adler's musical direction is flawless. There are many different elements that make this album which overall come across as quite chaotic. The music instils great intrigue over the show itself and the live performance.

Nevermore: The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allen Poe is now available to purchase from www.broadwayrecords.com.

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