Written by Christopher Musselman

Weathervane Playhouse opens its 2025 Summer Season with a new version of a classic tale: Edgar Allan Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher.  What a treat and what a well done show.  I encourage all theatre aficionados, all lovers of American literature, and anyone living in Central Ohio, and beyond, to see this exceptional production.  You will not be disappointed.

First, let me say that this was my first performance at Weathervane.  I simply had never been… yet I have lived in Greater Columbus for over twelve years.  Perhaps, it was because I live in Dublin, another county over.  Perhaps, it was because it just had not been “on my radar.”  But it definitely is now.  Oh, what I have been missing.  I will return.

Now back to the play.  This adaptation of Poe’s classic short story, by Jack Neary, provided for a great night of theatre.  Loosely based on the original, this version is staged like a 1930’s film noir, told, in part, through flashbacks.

It is presented as a true detective story.  And Edgar Allen Poe, one of the greatest authors of American literature, is believed, by many, to be the inventor of the detective story.  That makes this version of Usher, especially, appropriate.  It also provides a fresh take on an older work that you just may very well had to read in high school.

The talented cast is composed of professional actors from all over the country.  The set is simple, but appropriate to tell the story, and the Mary A. Alford Theater is warm and inviting.  No matter where you live in Central Ohio, or elsewhere in the state, the drive to the House of Usher, via Weathervane Playhouse, is well work the trip.

Be sure to see this wonderful production before it ends its run Saturday, June 7.  Show times are May 29-31 and June 4-7 at 7:30 pm, with a May 31 matinée at 2:00 pm.

The 2025 season will continue with the classic musicals Grease (June 12-21) and Jesus Christ Superstar (July 10-19) and conclude with a new adaptation of Jane Austen’s most famous work, Pride and Prejudice (July 24 – August 2).  Children’s theatre productions and other events are also scheduled throughout the summer.

Weathervane Playhouse is located in Newark, Ohio at 100 Price Road.  For more information, please contact the theater box office at 740.366.4616 or refer to the theater’s website at www.weathervaneplayhouse.org.

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