Ross Valley Players presented two spectacular benefit performances of The Best of Edgar Allen Poe,October 21 and 22 at the Barn Theater in Ross. Conceived and composed by Billie Cox and directed by Ellen Brooks, the show featured five talented actors and Scrumbly Koldwyn-Beck on piano.
The show opened with a welcome from Tom Reilly followed by Dan DeGabriele performing “Alone.” Next Mary Ann Rodgers thrilled the audience with Poe’s “Telltale Heart.” Kyra Kozlenko’s reading of “Annabel Lee” was powerful and Malcolm Rodgers joined DeGabriele for an entertaining rendition of the “Pit and the Pendulum. “The Raven, “El Dorado,” and “Never Bet the Devil Your Head” preceded the final two pieces,”The Bells” and “Israfel” (featuring the lovely voice of Kozlenko). The Pianist (Koldwyn-Beck), production team and all of these fine actors brought the era and brilliance of Poe to life. The audience showed their appreciation with shouts of “Bravo” at the end of the show. Kudos also to Michael Berg (costumes), Billie Cox and Ellen Brooks for their creativity and commitment to honoring the late great Edgar Allen Poe.