Theater Review - Yo Poe

Jason Jenkins and Park Cofield, recent graduates of Campbell High School and The Walker School, respectively, have pondered “over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore” to create The Poe Project. Currently playing at Marietta’s Square Globe Theatre, The Poe Project offers a comic look at both the famous and lesser-known works of Edgar Allen Poe.

“People do not seem to realize how funny some of Poe’s more obscure works actually are,” says Cofield, who wrote and directed the show with Jenkins. “Jason and I believe that we have crafted the show so that the person who knows the particulars of Poe will understand some of the subtle stabs, yet the person who knows nothing about Poe past the ‘The Raven’ will be able to enjoy the inherent poetry and comedy.”

With a cast and crew of 18 high school and college students, The Poe Project has serious moments, such as a straightforward reading of “Annabel Lee,” but mostly takes a light look at the sepulchral poet. At times using puppetry, original music, improvisation and audience participation, the evening features a comedic, storybook adaptation of “The Fall of the House of Usher,” Poe casting “The Tell-Tale Heart” and the poet attending a coffee house poetry slam. The Poe Project also adapts less famous works such as “Some Words With a Mummy” and “The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether.”

The Poe Project plays through July 21 at the Square Globe Theatre, 158 Cherokee St., Marietta, at 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. $5-8. 770-973-4566.??