STAGE TUBE: Inside First Folio's THE MADNESS OF EDGAR ALLAN POE: A LOVE STORY

An original production by First Folio Theatre's Executive Director David Rice, THE MADNESS OF Edgar Allan POE: A LOVE STORY, recently opened and runs through November 4th, directed by Michael Goldberg and stars Christian Gray as "Edgar Allan Poe". Watch the video for a behind-the-scenes look at the actors after their opening night performance! 

This original work by Rice, who received a Jeff Award nomination for New Adaptation in 2007, is based on the life and writings of the famed author. Poe’s macabre and melancholic tales and poems come to life in this mesmerizing play.

During the course of THE MADNESS OF Edgar Allan POE: A LOVE STORY, Poe and his wife Virginia guide the audience from room to room through historic Mayslake Hall, taking them from the garrets to the dungeons and deep into the madness of Edgar Allan Poe. David Rice's artfully structured journey into the life and literature of the great American horror writer focuses with sorrowful clarity on Poe's overwhelming obsession with his wife, Virginia, who died of tuberculosis at age 24. Poe married her when she was 13 and he was 27.

THE MADNESS OF Edgar Allan POE: A LOVE STORY also stars Diane Mair as "Virginia Poe" (Sense and Sensibility at Northlight Theatre); Robert Allan Smith as "The Madman" and "The Prisoner" (Guantanamo at Timeline); and Annelise Lawson as "Ligeia" (named "Best Actress" in Chicago Reader's "Best of 2012" issue). The ensemble features Robbie Bersano, Erica Bittner, Daniel Gilbert, Michael Holding, and Megan Ingram.

Scenic Designer Kyle Gettelman transforms the Mayslake Hall into Poe's dark and eerie mansion. Elegant period costumes are by Rachel Lambert. Sound Design is by Christopher Kriz and Lighting Design is by Michael McNamara, both of whom are currently nominated for Jeff Awards for their work on First Folio’s production of The Turn of the Screw. Kate Danziger serves as Stage Manager and Beth Zupec is Assistant Stage Manager.

THE MADNESS OF Edgar Allan POE: A LOVE STORY runs now through November 4. For tickets, scheduling and more information, visit www.firstfolio.org.