The Magnetic North Theatre Festival is currently running - from June 3 to 13 - at various venues around Ottawa.

Last night, the National Arts Centre Salon was the venue for a performance of "Nevermore," a wildly imaginative play based on the life of gothic master Edgar Allan Poe. Poe's life was as macabre and melodramatic as any of his stories and poems (e.g. "The Raven," "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Cask of Amontillado"), featuring early deaths of tuberculosis, marriage to a 13-year-old cousin, alcoholism, and desperate poverty. 

With this wealth of material, the performers, from Edmonton's Catalyst Theatre, have crafted a thrillingly moving and entertaining spectacle using song, music and dance, whimsical costumes, and sound effects; the entire story is told in verse. The acting is stellar, particularly from Scott Shpeley in the lead role.

Unfortunately, this play only runs until Saturday, so you have to rush if you want to see it. But there are many other plays to choose from; tickets are available from the NAC and other sources.