Local Edgar Allan Poe Scholar to Speak at Cumberland Theatre

Book-signing and Poe discussion this Saturday before Nevermore the Musical

Professor Amy Branam Armiento, who is currently employed in the English Department at Frostburg State University, and the immediate past president of the Poe Studies Association, will lead at discussion on Edgar Allan Poe this Saturday, October 19th at 7:30 pm at the Cumberland Theatre. The talk will immediately precede the performance of the musical Nevermore: The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe, which begins at 8:00 pm. The talk is open to all patrons who purchase a ticket to that evening’s performance.

Professor Amy Armiento

In addition to publishing articles on Poe, she is the editor of More Than Love: The Enduring Fascination with Edgar Allan Poe (Mercer UP, 2024) and co-editor, with Travis Montgomery, of Poe and Women: Recognition and Revision (Lehigh UP, 2023).

Professor Armiento will also be signing copies of More Than Love: The Enduring Fascination with Edgar Allan Poe in the theatre’s lobby during intermission.

The book, which was recently published, discusses Edgar Allan Poe's legacy, which continues to thrive more than one hundred seventy years since his mystery death. Poe's ubiquitous presence is evident in not only literature published today but also film, television, music, visual arts, the tourism industry, and many more fields. Although Poe's impact transcends time and place, the book's essays feature those creators who have direct knowledge of Poe's significance for contemporary U.S. culture. They work in professions in which Poe himself had been employed (e.g., poet and short story writer) or represent fields known for engaging with Poe and his works (e.g., music and film). Too often, they are not invited to participate directly in scholarly research related to pop culture. This book foregrounds their voices, allowing them to answer specific, vital questions: When did they first learn about Poe? Who introduced them to him? What were the circumstances? Which stories, poems, or other writings by Poe resonate with them? Why do they feel a connection to him? How do they integrate Poe into their own work? Writers of poetry, detective fiction, fantasy, science fiction, and horror stories along with actors, visual artists, musicians, tour guides, teachers, and many others reflect on how Poe has influenced their careers. Local contributors include Andy Duncan, Jamison Odone, and Emily Michael.

Nevermore is a wildly theatrical musical that combines haunting music and poetic storytelling to chronicle the fascinating life of the iconic American author. A literary rock star of his day, Poe struggles with tragedy and addiction, poverty and loss, yet produces some of the world’s most original, visionary and enduring literature before dying in unexplained circumstances at the age of 40. At once gorgeous and grotesque, Nevermore explores the events that shape Poe’s character and career, blurring the line between fact and fiction–after all, as Poe himself writes, “All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.”

The show was originally produced at the Catalyst Theater in Edmonton, Alberta, for an 11-week production that then went on to be performed at theater festivals, theaters across Canada, to the Barbican Theater in London, and the New Victory Theater in New York City. The Cumberland Theatre production is being sponsored by Charles Romano in honor of his late uncle and aunt, Dr. Nicholas and Shirley Giarritta.

Nevermore runs through October 27th with Friday and Saturday performances at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Ticket are available at cumberlandtheatre.com or by calling 301.759.4990.

Now at CT: Edgar Allan Poe’s Life Told on Stage

Nevermore the Musical will run for two more weekends this month

The Cumberland Theatre continuing their 36th Season with the musical Nevermore: The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe written by Jonathan Christensen for two more weekends this month. “With this being the 75th Anniversary of Poe’s untimely death, we thought it was appropriate to pay homage to his life and works,” said board member Emily Haworth. “This show has wonderful music and tells Poe’s story in a unique and compelling way that should appeal to all audiences. We hope to add some fun to everyone’s spooky season with this production.”

This wildly theatrical musical combines haunting music and poetic storytelling to chronicle the fascinating life of the iconic American author. A literary rock star of his day, Poe struggles with tragedy and addiction, poverty and loss, yet produces some of the world’s most original, visionary and enduring literature before dying in unexplained circumstances at the age of 40. At once gorgeous and grotesque, Nevermore explores the events that shape Poe’s character and career, blurring the line between fact and fiction–after all, as Poe himself writes, “All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.”

The script fictionalizes true events that took place in his life while also incorporating his creative works and poems. It was originally produced at the Catalyst Theater in Edmonton, Alberta, for an 11-week production that then went on to be performed at theater festivals, theaters across Canada, to the Barbican Theater in London, and the New Victory Theater in New York City. The Cumberland Theatre production is being sponsored by Charles Romano in honor of his late uncle and aunt, Dr. Nicholas and Shirley Giarritta.

Nevermore is directed by Sam Little, who has previously directed the CT productions of Macbeth and Dracula as well as appearing on stage in the comedy Moonlight and Magnolias. The cast features many actors making their Cumberland Theatre debuts.

Heading the cast as Edgar will be Jarrett Bloom who has appeared throughout the region in such theatres as the Virginia Musical Theatre, Annapolis Shakespeare Co. and Mt. Gretna Playhouse.

Also making their debuts and playing a diverse bevy of supporting roles will be Keith Peterson, Austin Rose and Sarah Friedman. Returning to the CT stage following their appearances in this season’s Jesus Christ Superstar will be visiting actor Katie Davis and local actor Katie Zimmerman. Also, returning will be NYC based actor Juan Calix who last appeared as “Bobby” in CT’s 2022 production of Company.

Mikayla Dodge will serve as music director with choreography by Carly Hannah. Anika Jones will serve as the stage manager.

The design team for the shows includes Rhett Wolford (set and lighting designer), Jennifer Clark (costume designer) and Trevor McCabe (props designer).

Nevermore will be performed thru October 27th with Friday and Saturday performances at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm. More information on ratings, group sale, etc. can be found on the theatre’s Facebook page or at cumberlandtheatre.com where tickets are available for purchase. Reservations can also be made by calling the box office at 301.759.4990.

Cumberland Theatre Announces 37th Season of Entertainment

Passes & Subscriptions Now on Sale for Nine Show Main Stage Season

The Cumberland Theatre has announced their intended 2025 Main Stage Season and season passes are now available for purchase. The theatre will enter its 37th year of entertainment in 2025 and an exciting line-up of shows has been planned as well as youth productions, readings and other events.

The season will open in February with the popular musical Jersey Boys which follows the fascinating evolution of four blue-collar kids who became one of the greatest successes in pop-music history. Winner of Best Musical at both the Tony Awards® and Olivier Awards®, Jersey Boys takes you behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons to discover the secret of a 40-year friendship as the foursome work their way from the streets of New Jersey to the heights of stardom. Featuring electrifying performances of chart-topping hits including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Dawn,” and “My Eyes Adored You,” which brought The Four Seasons the highest honor: induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame.

In April, the theatre will produce the classic story of love and war, Antony and Cleopatra. Written by William Shakespeare, the timeless tale of brutality, betrayal and passion comes to life on stage. Caesar and his assassins are dead. General Mark Antony now rules alongside his fellow defenders of Rome. But at the fringes of a war-torn empire the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra and Mark Antony have fallen fiercely in love. In a tragic fight between devotion and duty, obsession becomes a catalyst for war. Politics and passion are violently intertwined in the Bard’s timeless and gripping tale of desire and power.

The season will continue in May with the Tony-nominated comedy The Shark is Broken.  This show dives deep into the tumultuous, murky waters of the making of a major motion picture with testy, feuding costars, unpredictable weather, and a shark prop whose constant breakdowns are looking like an omen for the future of the movie. In this comedy co-written by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon, the short tempers of Jaws stars Robert Shaw (father of co-writer Ian), Richard Dreyfuss, and Roy Scheider take center stage as they bond, argue, drink, gamble, and pray for an end to the shoot, not knowing it will change their lives forever.

June will take audiences to the English countryside with the hilarious farce The Cottage. Recently produced on Broadway directed by Seinfeld’s Jason Alexander and starring Lara Bell Bundy and Will and Grace’s Eric McCormack, the show centers on Sylvia and Beau, who find themselves in a countryside cottage for their yearly rendezvous, and Sylvia knows this time it will be the beginning of their new life together. But when Beau demurs on a shared future, and their spouses arrive at the cottage, she realizes that this home-away-from-home is a refuge for determining a new path forward. With a tip of the hat to Noël Coward and sex comedies of the past, The Cottage offers endless laughs, hilarious twists, daring physical comedy, and a happy ending for lovers everywhere.

The summer will bring two hit musicals to be performed in rep (rotation) for four weekends: The Wedding Singer based on the hit romantic comedy starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore and the hit musical, Grease, which tells the iconic tale of Rydell High’s senior class of 1959: duck-tailed, hot-rodding “Burger Palace Boys’ and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking “Pink Ladies” in bobby sox and pedal pushers, as head greaser Danny Zuko and new girl Sandy try to relive the high romance of their “Summer Nights.”

In September, the theatre will perform two plays by award-winning playwright John Patrick Shanley. The first, Danny and the Deep Blue Sea: An Apache Dance is set in a rundown bar in the Bronx, where two of society’s rejects, Danny and Roberta, strike up a halting conversation over their beer. Both haunted by past trauma, Danny seems incapable of tender emotion, while Roberta is distrustful of men in general. And yet, as their initial reserve begins to melt, and they decide to spend the night together, the possibility of a genuine and meaningful relationship begins to emerge—the first for both of them.

The second play, Doubt: A Parable focuses on Sister Aloysius, a Bronx school principal, who takes matters into her own hands when she suspects the young Father Flynn of improper relationship with one of the male students. The play was adapted into a film starring Meryl Streep and the late Philip Seymore Hoffman and was recently revived on Broadway starring Liev Shreiber.  Doubt was this season’s Thespian Society pick, being chosen by a group of veteran actors, directors and designers.

The on-stage retelling of the classic book and film The Exorcist will run during the month of October – just in time for Halloween. This adaptation of the famous 1971 novel documenting the terror and redemption of a ten-year-old girl remains as frightening and relevant as when first experienced. Adapted by acclaimed playwright John Pielmeier (Agnes of God), The Exorcist transforms the unsettling battles of good versus evil, faith versus fact and ego versus ethos into a uniquely theatrical experience as sophisticated as it is suspenseful.

Finishing out the season in December will be a unique twist on a Christmas classic. Chosen as the Audience Pick for 2025, A Sherlock Carol spins the tale of Sherlock Holmes, a haunted man. But, when a grown-up Tiny Tim asks Holmes to investigate the death of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Great Detective must use his gifts to solve a Dickens of a Christmas mystery! Six actors take on the beloved characters of Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens in this heartwarming and highly theatrical holiday treat for all ages.

Also, announced for 2025 are the Stars of Tomorrow youth actor productions which will take place in March and November. The theatre will produce Disney’s The Little Mermaid in the spring and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown for the fall season. 

The artistic and managing staff at the theatre include Kimberli Rowley (Artistic Director), Rhett Wolford (Technical Director), Seth Thompson (Artistic Associate), Anthony Tagliaferro (Assistant Technical Director), Xander Mulder (Master Electrician), Chris Ashenfelter (Box Office Manager), Karen Slemmer (Front of House Coordinator), Tori Weaver (Marketing Associate) and Lindsay Tyler (Concession Manager).

Serving on the theatre’s Board of Directors are BettyJo Gehauf (President), Phyllis Lyon (Vice President), Emily Haworth (Secretary), Joel Hoover (Treasurer), Micheala Hale (Educational Outreach), Beth Hilliker (Gallery Coordinator), Bob Mayhew, Anthony Pinardi and Julie Ferris. The theatre is currently seeking new board members for the 2025 season. Inquiries may be sent to info@cumberlandtheatre.com.

Season Subscription Passes, Flex Passes and Platinum Passes are now available for purchase at cumberlandtheatre.com. Show sponsorships and program ads are also available for purchase. Any questions, can be directed to info@cumberlandtheatre.com or by calling the box office at 301.759.4990.