The Fall of the House of Usher
Adapted by Tim Kelly from the classic tale of Edgar Allan Poe.
Product Code: FC8000
Full-length Play
Drama
Cast size: 7m., 10w., flexible (many small character roles arranged for a convenient rehearsal schedule).
Livestream and Record & Stream Rights Available
Rights and availability
This title can be licensed and sold throughout the World.
* Please note the royalty rate listed is the minimum royalty rate per performance. The actual royalty rate will be determined upon completion of a royalty application.
Synopsis
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 two-act dramatization of one of Poe's eeriest tales. The Fall of the House of Usher abounds in moments of haunting beauty—such as the ghostly waltz in the Usher family crypt and a visit by the brother's loving sweetheart, Lenore. The play also features moments of chilling horror when Madelaine forces aside the lid of her coffin while a hooded figure roams the halls in search of escape. Whenever Poe's horrific visions threaten to terrify the audience completely, there is always a light moment to compensate.
Notes
Livestream and Record & Stream Rights Available
Details
- Status In stock
- Type of Show Full-length Play
- Product Code FC8000
- Minimum Cast Size 17
- Pages of Dialogue 51
- Min. Royalty Rate $85.00/perf
- Approx. Run Time 120 min
- Staging Simple set.
Categories
- Target Audience High School | College and Adult | Senior Adults
- Performing Group College Theatre | Community Theatre | Professional Theatre | Touring Group
- Genre Drama
- ISBN(13) 9780886800499
Customer Reviews
Gallery
The Fall of the House of Usher - John Carroll Catholic HS, Birmingham, AL
Also By These Authors
Don Markham, Cleveland High School, Cleveland, Tenn.