The Tell-Tale Heart
By Luella McMahon. Based on the story by Edgar Allan Poe.
Product Code: T16000
One-act Play
Drama
Cast size: 6m. (or 4m., 2w., variable.)
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 comfortless surroundings, a young man plans and commits the "perfect crime." When a detective stops by on a quite different matter, it becomes apparent that the young man has little to fear. The only trouble is, he can't stop the pounding of the dead man's heart. Why can't the detective hear it? As the pounding grows louder and the tension increases, the audience realizes that they are watching the very madness of a murderer.
Details
- Status In stock
- Type of Show One-act Play
- Product Code T16000
- Minimum Cast Size 6
- Pages of Dialogue 19
- Min. Royalty Rate $55.00/perf
- Approx. Run Time 30 min
- Staging One int. set.
Categories
- Target Audience Middle School | High School | College and Adult
- Performing Group High School | College Theatre
- Genre Drama
- ISBN(13) 9780871298195
Customer Reviews
It is a great adaptation. The drama is compelling. The opportunity to use non-gender-specific actors in some roles is a nice bonus.
My theatre class chose to do The Telltale Heart because we had an all male cast. Thank you for making adaptable scriptsÑit was a success!
A story that tempts the imagination; a "conversation" play. Our audience was silentÑcaptivated to the end.
Wonderful classic. Often read in English curricula. Very faithful to the short story!
Great adaptation and very easily staged.
Hints, Tips, and Tricks
It can be staged with a simple table, chairs, and a door, or you can build out an entire set for it. You will need a very strong lead actor for this show!
Sound design is crucial for creating horrific ambience.
"Man" carries a big weight of the play in terms of lines, make sure you cast someone who is reliable and can memorize well.
Production Map
| Location | City | State | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W. H. Adamson High School | Dallas | TX | 02/26/2025 | 03/21/2025 |
| Windham High School | Windham | NH | 01/18/2025 | 03/29/2025 |
| Hondo H S | Hondo | TX | 03/01/2025 | 03/31/2025 |
| Boys Ranch High School | Boys Ranch | TX | 02/03/2025 | 04/18/2025 |
Also By These Authors
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