In this classic tale of the horrible and grotesque, Poe wrote of
disease, the fear of death, and premature burial—perhaps confessing his own terror of going mad
and of being buried alive. Records show 18 premature burials in Baltimore's Westminster Cemetery,
where Poe is entombed. One of these premature burials forms the background for Tim Kelly's chilling
dramatization of this classic tale of horror and suspense.Roderick Usher, once a happy young man
about to be married, and his beautiful sister Madelaine have become victims to the gloom and poisonous
atmosphere of the decaying old mansion in which they live. When Madelaine appears near death, the
doctor warns Usher not to bury her until he is certain that she is dead. The ensuing horror
grips every viewer in its icy chill.
Tim Kelly, author of several movie scenarios based on Edgar
Allan Poe stories, is at his best in this brilliant 2-act dramatization of one of Poe's eeriest tales.
The play abounds in moments of haunting beauty—a ghostly waltz in the Usher family crypt, and a
visit by the brother's loving sweetheart, Lenore. Moments of chilling horror—Madelaine forcing
aside the lid of her coffin while a hooded figure roams the halls in search of escape. Whenever the
horrific visions of Poe threaten to terrify the audience completely, there is always a light moment to
compensate.
There are many small character roles arranged for a convenient rehearsal schedule. A
simple set arrangement accomodates all the scenes without a break in the action. Recommended for adult
and young adult audiences.
"We presented The Fall of the House of Usher...We are a very
small school, with less than 60 in high school, but this play had parts for lots of individuals who had
never been in a play...It was a success. Thanks."—Darla Anderson, Potter, Nebraska.
More horror from Kelly: The Adventure of the Speckled Band,
Bloody Jack, Crimes at the Old Brewery,
Dracula, Murder Takes a Holiday,
Sweeney Todd
Also from Poe: The Infamous Soothing System of Professor Maillard,
and Poe! Poe! Poe!