By Mike Cook
ToadHall Theater of Las Cruces is presenting “an evening exploring the macabre through the writings of Edgar Allan Poe,” said Ken Forestal, who founded ToadHall in 2014.
“A Gentle Madness” will be performed at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31, in the chapel theater of First Christian Church, 1809 El Paseo Road.
Tickets are $5. Students will be admitted free.
The cast includes David Edwards, Genno Tafoya, Ed Montes, Steven Cousler and Jason Wyatt, with Forestal directing.
“’A Gentle Madness’ is a reverend tribute to the writings of Edgar Alan Poe,” Forestal said. “The fine actors who are members of this ensemble will present Poe classic literature pieces that include ‘The Tell Tale Heart, ‘The Mask of The Red Death’ and ‘The Raven.’ This program will satisfy the staunchest of Poe followers as well as gain new admires to those being exposed to Poe for the first time,” Forestal said.
“I'm happy to be working with ToadHall again,” Edwards said. “Ken Forestal always comes up with such interesting projects. The Master of the Macabre, Edgar Allen Poe, on Halloween. It's going to be fun.”
“I'm really enthused to be part of this project,” said Montes, a veteran of productions at venues throughout Las Cruces. “I've been a Poe fan since I was in grade school and my cousin gave me a book of his poetry. I fell in love with ‘The Raven.’ These Poe pieces seem to be exactly the right thing to be presenting on Halloween night; he can lead you down some twisty roads and before you know it you're in a pretty dark place. That's fun.”
Poe (1809-49) was born in Massachusetts and died in Baltimore under mysterious circumstances that have never been fully explained. He is buried at Westminster Hall in Baltimore.
ToadHall Theatre has previously presented “Pericles,” “Medea,” “Agnes of God,” “Van Gogh,” “Bonhoffer,” and “A Promise of Roses,” all directed by Forestal, who also wrote “A Promise of Roses.” The company has also produced multiple seasons of house concerts at Forestal’s home. Its most recent production was “Murderess,” which was interrupted by Covid-19, with performances by different casts in 2020 and 2022.