Crescent Brings Macabre to Life

Crescent's Upper School production of Macabre: Tales From Edgar Allan Poe was mounted last month and featured six Havergal students. The play presents four of Poe’s dark and occasionally morbid literary works in a dialogue format; a musical and dance interpretation of his iconic poem, The Raven, was woven throughout. “Each year we endeavour to present the students with themes, stories, and characters that require them to stretch their dramatic muscles,” says Head of Arts Godric Latimer-Kim. “They have the opportunity to truly step out of their comfort zone. This show is certainly a vivid example of such a challenge.”

Ariston Wang ’26 most enjoyed bonding with his cast and crewmates during their Castaway trip. This integral bonding retreat immerses the cast in the world of the show and offers all the actors an opportunity to connect as people and as characters. This experience helped when he was invited to perform a dance duet. “I had to learn a dance, which I had never done before,” he says. “It was a great new experience for me.” 

Castmate Kai McKee ’25 credits the Grade 9 cast members for their solid performances despite being less experienced. “I know some had never done a show before, and that was a really good experience,” he says. “They made it exciting.”

For the first time, the production team welcomed a student director — John Raftus ’23, who has been in a record-setting 11 Crescent productions. “Our goal was to offer this incredibly talented young man the opportunity to stretch his skills, knowledge and passion for theatre,” says Latimer-Kim. Raftus was proud to use his experience and insights to nurture the talents of the play’s mostly novice group of thespians. “It was a joyful challenge, given the amount of choreography and new experience,” he says. “Everyone rose to the occasion and it was so rewarding to see the audience's tremendously positive reaction.”

An epic snowstorm did not stop the show, which had its finale on Saturday, March 4.

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