Century High School’s Opening Knights Proudly Present "The Fall of the House of Usher"

Come join us and experience thrills and chills as one of Edgar Allen Poe’s most famous short stories is brought to life on stage.

Century High School’s (CHS) award-winning Opening Knights Drama Club proudly announces their fall production of The Fall of the House of Usher, to be performed on October 26, 27, 28, and November 3 and 4 at 7:00 PM.

In this classic tale of the horrible and grotesque, Edgar Allen Poe wrote of disease, the fear of death and premature burial—perhaps confessing his own terror of going mad and of being buried alive. Records show 18 premature burials in Baltimore's Westminster Cemetery, where Poe is entombed. One of these premature burials forms the background for Tim Kelly's chilling dramatization of this classic tale of horror and suspense.

Roderick Usher, once a happy young man about to be married, and his beautiful sister Madelaine have become victims to the gloom and poisonous atmosphere of the decaying old mansion in which they live. When Madelaine appears near death, the doctor warns Usher not to bury her until he is certain that she is dead. The ensuing horror grips every viewer in its icy chill.

Tim Kelly, author of several movie scenarios based on Edgar Allan Poe stories, is at his best in this brilliant two-act dramatization of one of Poe's eeriest tales. The Fall of the House of Usher abounds in moments of haunting beauty—such as the ghostly waltz in the Usher family crypt and a visit by the brother's loving sweetheart, Lenore. The play also features moments of chilling horror when Madelaine forces aside the lid of her coffin while a hooded figure roams the halls in search of escape. Whenever Poe's horrific visions threaten to terrify the audience completely, there is always a light moment to compensate.

Directors Lucas and Caitlyn Hewitt are very excited to bring The Fall of the House of Usher to the stage at CHS to once again showcase the amazing and talented Opening Knights’ Drama Club actors. Mr. Hewitt shared, “The Fall of the House of Usher is one of Poe's darkest and most mysterious stories. Our production strives to bring that story to life while adding the contrasting element of humor to keep the audience both laughing and on the edge of their seats throughout the play.”

Sophomore Andrew Fleming, who plays Roderick Usher says, “This is the perfect show for Halloween. It is full of thrills and chills. It has been so fun to bring Poe’s characters to the stage.”

Ticket Information: Tickets are $10. Tickets may be purchased online at www.centurydrama.com or at A Likely Story Bookstore in Sykesville. For additional information, please contact Mr. Hewitt at lahewit@carrollk12.org or (410) 386-4400.

Performances will take place in the Century High School auditorium on October 26, 27, 28, November 3, and 4 at 7:00 PM