"Wildly imaginative and utterly inspired... Do whatever it takes to see, hear and experience this outrageous opera... This is a landmark piece of theatre" —Peter Birnie, The Vancouver Sun [Read More]

"a skillfully executed sensory feast that will simultaneously astound and entertain" —Mark Robins, GayVancouver [Read More]

"Everything melds together to bring you an amazing piece of art that once you have experienced it, you will never ever forget...This is avant-garde theatre at its finest." —Lorelei Burk, Gothic Beauty Magazine [Read More]

"Go see this phantasmagorical musical on the imaginary life of Edgar Allan Poe...this is must-see theatre" —Martin Millerchip, North Shore News [Read More]

"sweeps its audience along on a robust rollercoaster ride ranging from the ridiculous to the sublime...an epic poem set to music, and performed with world class finesse by an acting troupe lavishly attired in postmodern costumes that outclass some of Tim Burton’s best work." —Roger Eberle, Review Vancouver [Read More]

"one of the most captivating visual experiences I’ve seen in a theatre...a warped, weird and, ultimately, wonderful production." —Johnny K, UQ Events [Read More]

"Nevermore is a show you do not want to miss because if you do I guarantee you will regret it...My advice: if you want to see this show before it sells out get your tickets now." —Sabrina Evertt, An Unidentified Production [Read More]

"Master of the macabre reimagined" —Vancouver Sun WestCoastLife cover story [Read More]

"Nevermore scares up some fun" —Province Entertainment cover story [Read More]

"Nevermore tells wild tales of Edgar Allan Poe, from real to surreal" —Georgia Straight cover story

"Utterly gorgeous…must be seen" —Edmonton Sun

"Nothing short of magnificent" —Vue Weekly

"Wonderful and fantastical to behold" —See Magazine
 

"Spellbinding - the power of the music and the excellent voices carried me away. I would highly recommend it."
–Mairi, Whistler

"Absolutely fabulous. I have already persuaded, not just recommended Nevermore to all of our friends. The actor's presentation, expressions, interpretation, prose, singing, stage setup, costumes ...memorable. It's worth seeing a second time."
–Lenka, North Vancouver

"You hit the ball out of the park on this production! Absolutely wonderful - script, voices, costumes, lighting, sound effects, choreography - each in their own right, perfection."
–A. Henry, Vancouver

"This play was amazing! I am a Poe fan and I thought it was brilliantly done! It is written in such a manner that those who are not familiar with Poe will still enjoy the show and those of us who are familiar with his works get something extra out of it. The tale was fantastic and the actors and actresses did a great job! Thank you for putting on such a wonderful piece of art! I cannot stop talking about it!"
–Hilary

"Nevermore was a visual and musical delight! Not since Frankenstein has I seen such an original and engaging show. Don't miss out!"
–Meredith, Vancouver

"We took guests from out of town to the Saturday matinee. What a brilliant production. One of the most unusual and exciting productions we all have ever seen, not just in Vancouver but anywhere. Highly recommend it for anyone wanting to see something truly unique and guaranteed to have you standing on your feet clapping at the end."
–Tony, West Vancouver

"Wow, Wow, Wow! I really had no idea what to expect with this production and I can honestly say I was blown away. The set was perfect, costumes, and it unfolded and was told so well! It was dark and edgy and I loved every moment of it!"
–Kathy

"Creative, brilliant, and perfectly Poe-etic!"
–Ariel, Richmond

"This is one of the best productions I have ever seen & I have been going to the theatre for 40 years!!"
–Mary, Vancouver

"Costumes were amazing....I just loved the disproportionate props/hats/books.....very cool. Fantastic story---excellent eye candy."
–David, Vancouver

"I took myself and my family to this musical, and we were all amazed by the amount of creativity; a true masterpiece. "Nevermore" captured the Victorian-Gothic era, with a modern touch. This is a production not to miss!”
–Monica, Vancouver"

"Nevermore is one of the most exceptional, intriguing and creative pieces of theatre I have ever seen. I recommend it to everyone who likes theatre. You will be completely enchanted."
–Nancy, Vancouver

"Awesome! Spectacular! Everything about this performance was perfect. The costumes were miraculous - I especially liked the hats. The set was simple but evocative. The music was wonderful. And the singing and choreography were spell-binding! The performers did an amazing job - every movement and expression was a delight. Your entire cast and crew should be commended. Bravo!"
–Peggy, Vancouver

"Brilliant lighting and costumes! The pace, music, and performance were great! They earned a standing ovation."
–Michael, Vancouver

"This extraordinary production was a masterpiece of artistic achievement. The powerful energy and tremendous talent of the players resulted in a stunning and memorable experience. From the opening scene to the conclusion, the audience is spellbound by the compelling story, the evocative connection to Poe's works and the versatility of the actors/singers/dancers. The standard of the production was second to none. These seven talented performers did a wonderful job of bringing this haunting and tragic story to life. This is a must-see production, whose impact will remain timelessly in the mind of the theatre-goers."
–Jenifer, Lantzville

"I loved this play! The costumes, the choreography, the singing and especially the way it was written all blew me away - I absolutely recommend seeing it while it's still here!"
–Kristin S.

"Nevermore was a totally unexpected delight of the highest order. The wonderful music underlying the story line as well as the incredible physicality of the play left us both breathless. This is a new genre of opera and I loved it. I would also love a DVD of the production if it exists. Of course, we are spreading the news."
–Heather, Vancouver

Praise for Nevermore from last year’s Luminato —Toronto Festival of the Arts

"I can't say enough about this show! Loved it, loved it, loved it! I'm a huge Poe fan, but I was very unsure what to expect.
This is pure magic. Beautiful, haunting, every moment draws you into this evocative story. The actors were really able to tell this story, through their voices, their movement and Scott Shpeley in particular, through his powerful facial expressions. I adored Scott - he captured the character beautifully! Loved the music - I really hope they make a cast album. The finale number was heart-wrenching! Thank you Luminato for bringing this wonderful piece to Toronto and thank you Jonathan Christenson for your amazing artistic vision!"
—Michele, Toronto

"Deliciously dark and funny, I was captivated from the moment the two actors stepped on stage in silence. Evocative, innovative, original, beautifully performed, and sexy."
—Jane L.

"Awesome! Bravo! Stupendous! Toronto has finally discovered what it's been missing. Jonathan Christenson is some kind of genius. Nevermore is a wholly realized vision of a mysterious literary enigma that has fascinated us for more than a century. I'd see it again next week, if I could."
—Shelley MacMillan, Toronto

"Excellent performance, and one of the highlights of Luminato 2009. Thanks, and please come back!"
—Benc7

"Absolutely Amazing - I saw the Friday show in Toronto and was simply awed by the complexity of this production. The talent of all the performers was evident in the many roles played by the majority of cast members, and also by Scott Shpeley who showed amazing athleticism in his movements and the way in which he could go from almost motionless to full volume singing in an instant! Bravo, Bravo! Come back for another showing soon."
—Shawn, Toronto

"I loved it. The costumes are amazing, the choreography is inspired and the dialogue/singing completes it. Highly recommended."
—Mia

"We brought guests and didn't know what to expect, sitting in the front row we experienced a wonderful performance. Clever staging, creative costumes and outstanding singing really brought us into the gothic life & times of Poe."
—Linda

"Excellent show! Would love to see it again."
—Stephen Smith

"Ominous lighting, indeed! Cast album? Pretty-please?"
—Nezumi

"This is brilliant. Go see it if at all possible."
—Dee

"This was one of the most original, amazing, funny and moving productions I have seen in years. This "Tim Burton" looking play is going places..."
—Carol Roche

"I just saw Nevermore tonight in Toronto, and wow. I'm 14 years old and I have a fascination with Edgar Allen Poe, and this musical just simply amazed me. Every single line is said to a beat, if that makes sense; if you mess up one word, the entire rhythm is thrown off, and there was not one mistake. Bravo!"
—Nicole, Toronto

"Nevermore is a fantastic tale that will be forever stuck in your memory. I saw it performed in Fort McMurray in mid-October and the music and characters are still playing in my head. The cast and crew are a whole within this piece, which is shown throughout the entire show. Congrats to you all and I cannot wait to see this another time."
—Sarah

"This is a MUST-SEE! I've seen it twice (once in Edmonton, then in Ottawa) and I wouldn't hesitate to see it again. Absolutely fabulous and wonderful."
—Caitlin

"It's fantastic! I saw it the night before closing night in Edmonton... I wish I'd seen it earlier so I could go many times! The costumes were stunning, and the actors all have beautiful voices - Scott Shpeley in particular has an incredible range that is breathtaking. And, despite having no lines, he conveyed all of Edgar's emotions perfectly. There is not a single thing I would change about the play. As a young actress/writer, it both made me feel inferior as an artist, and it was one of the most inspiring things I've ever seen. Everyone should see this. Everyone."
—Calla

"The BEST performance I have EVER seen, hands down. I saw it in Edmonton twice, and it was simply extraordinary. The detail of the costumes, set and songs are beyond belief. The depiction of Edgar Allen Poe's sinister, sad, hopeful, beautiful, and mysterious life and feelings was captured beautifully. Scott Shpeley (who plays Edgar) did a wonderful job at mastering his character's expressions, personality, tormented emotions and life. Major kudos to Jonathan Christenson, and all of the actors in this production. Anyone in their teens or older should see it, I can guarantee you have never seen anything like it! It was an extremely beautiful show, I cannot wait for next year."
—Kayden, Edmonton

"I saw this show in Edmonton - it was outstanding! I saw it 3 times and it was amazing each time. A must see!"
—Lynnette, Edmonton

"Nevermore is extraordinary! I have seen it twice and it gets better and more revealing with every performance. And the music is infectious!"
—Brad

"This theatrical performance is simply AMAZING....A must see for anyone who loves theater and Poe. I wish I could attend Luminato but sadly cannot. I have seen this performance twice already and would watch it a thousand more times... Bravo to the actors....If anyone knows where I can get a copy of the performance or even just the musical parts to keep at home please let me know."
—Kristen
 

Blog Coverage

It’s Opening night… Nevermore

Glamourama – opening night for Nevermore!

Introducing Nevermore
 

Artistic team

Featuring Shannon Blanchet, Sheldon Elter, Beth Graham, Ryan Parker, Garett Ross, Vanessa Sabourin, Scott Shpeley
Writer/Director/Composer Jonathan Christenson Production Designer Bretta Gerecke Choreographer Laura Krewski
Sound Designer Wade Staples
Voice and Text Consultant Betty Moulton
Production Manager James Robert Boudreau
Stage Manager Candice Charney
Assistant Stage Manager Tracey Byrne
Sound Operator Andrew Smith
Lighting Associate Kerem Çentinel
Technical Director Kevin Green
Design Associate Daniela Masellis
Costume Associate Sheena Haug
Head of Props Amy Kucharuk
Props and Set Builders James Robert Boudreau, Kevin Green, Tata Tuviera
Tour Co-ordinator Brenda McNicol

Commissioned by Magnetic North Theatre Festival. Co-commissioned by Luminato.
Developed with the support of Keyano Theatre, Fort McMurray, and the Banff Centre for the Arts.
 

Downloads

House Programme
 

Coming soon