Poe! Poe! Poe!, the Life and Writings of Edgar Allan Poe is a modified Reader's Theatre presentation about the life and works of Edgar Allan Poe.

Several theatrical techniques may be employed in performing this play: pantomime, improvisation, reader's theatre. Or the whole play may be presented in the traditional reader's theatre style. The ArtReach tour used two men and two women. The play may be performed by an all-male cast, and by more than four performers.

The play begins as Poe is dying. As he struggles with death, he recounts his melancholy life. The author has skillfully blended tragic scenes with fantasy and comedy. Poe felt that the only true, worthy subject of literature was the melancholy examination of the death of a beautiful woman—depicted here in the gruesome death of his young wife and the poem which resulted—"Annabel Lee."

Although everyone today agrees that Poe is one of America's greatest authors, he found little recognition in his lifetime until the publishing of "The Raven" not long before he died. Among the many touching scenes in this play is the one between Poe and his most loyal editor, Graham, in which Poe is ridiculed and humiliated. And then we hear Poe recite "The Raven" with defiance and passion. The play ends where it began—at Poe's death—not with a quiet death, but a final defiant exerpt from "Life of Thingum Bob, Esq." in which Poe reveals the meaning of his life: "Through joy, through sorrow, through it all—I wrote!"

One act; Set, almost bare stage; Costumes, black leotards and symbolic accessories. Poe may wear a period costume.

"Outstanding"—Mad River, Ohio, Weekly
"The entire presentation had our students spellbound from start to finish."—Brother John Walsh, St. Andrew Middle School, Milford, Ohio
"I teach Poe in my literature classes (10th)...I felt that my students were well prepared and thoroughly enjoyed the presentation."—Mrs. Alverdia Moss, New Richmond, Ohio, High School

Another by Miller: I'm a Celebrity!

Additional adaptations of Poe: The Fall of the House of Usher, The Infamous Soothing System of Professor Maillard