Jeffrey Combs performed the one man play NEVERMORE to a packed house last night at the Nashville Public Library. The auditorium was completely filled and more than 200 folks were placed in a second overflow theater set up with screens and video projectors. Edgar Allen Poe lived and breathed again onstage as Combs ranted, raved, and recited for over 90 minutes in a performance that was simply amazing. The stage consisted of a minimalistic set design - simply a rocking chair, table, rug and musical stand. But that's all Combs needed as he mesmerized the crowd with his electric performance. And doubly special was the fact that last night was the actual birthday of Edgar Allan Poe.
I want to thank the Nashville Public Library for bringing this fantastic event to Nashville and offering it for free. It was a special night and I saw many friends at the event. Afterwards I went to the Tazza restaurant just down the street and hung out with Anita Pace and her two friends Anna and Brooke Perry who had driven up from Alabama to attend the show! Great times and a great evening.
Oh, and before I wrap this up, one last thing. When the theater asks that you turn off your cell phone TURN THE GODDAMN THING OFF!! Some asshole on the second row left his on and sure enough it went off loud and clear right in the middle of the performance. To Combs' credit, however, he got the better of the buffoon. He was talking about his physical ailments at that moment, and how bad they were when he, without missing a beat, looked right at the him and said - "Much like that strange device you're fiddling with, sir." The audience applauded and Poe pointed at the fool and said, "Your middle name, sir, is shame." Even louder applause accompanied with a hearty "Hear Hear!" from some unnamed 6'6" horror host in the middle section.
On a related note, tonight and tomorrow night at Midnight the Belcourt theater is showing REANIMATOR! Yes!! One of my favorites that also stars Jeffrey Combs and is directed by the producer of Nevermore, Stuart Gordon. You don't want to miss this on the big screen!!
So glad you came and shared the evening with all of us! Yes, Poe got the better of the patron with the "strange contraption."
ReplyDelete& isn't it unbelievable just how much Combs looked like Poe? If I didn't know better, I'd swear that was actually Poe talking to us.
ReplyDeleteI agree! I kept looking at him, trying to see Jeffrey under that makeup but I just couldn't. His voice, demeanor, look - everything was spot-on.
ReplyDeleteI agree about the cell phone thing. I keep mine muted all the time on both jobs. Great come back on Jeffry's come back. I thought what an idot to do that. I'd read & heard that of all the characters he did on Star Trek, Weyoun was his personal fave. Odd that Weyoun was one of my faves also. I live walking distance from the library & funny my neighbor was there also. I didn't really expect the amount of people to be there that was there. I did mention the play on my facebook page, this is a must see. & it was as if Combs was channeling Poe. If & when the DVD of this play come out, I do want to get it. He should get an award for his performance. If he doesn't something is very wrong.
ReplyDeleteI even wanted to grab that "Strange Contraption" out of the patron's hand. But what sent shivers up my spine was hearing Jeffrey recite Annabel Lee. It was just the way he spoke it that was incredible. Only other person/group to do it is Rogue & his group The Crüxshadows. Don't know if you've heard their version or not, but I never thought I'd hear anyone else that could do a great rendition until I heard Jeffrey Combs do it. I'm still amazed at just how much he looked like Poe. Is there anything Jeffrey Combs can't do?
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that same thought crossed my mind, too! But Jeffrey took care of it admirably. I haven't heard the Crüxshadows version. Sounds interesting
ReplyDeleteThe Crüxshadows version is very interesting indeed. Here is a link to The Crüxshadows version. While you don't see the group in this, just hearing Rogue spoken word is, well maybe different than how Jeffrey spoke it, but you'll see why I like both versions. It would be interesting hearing Rogue & Jeffrey do it together.
ReplyDeletehttp://youtu.be/IuwVFvIbIro