Book compiles playwright's scripts of Poe tales

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

A compilation of stage adaptations of some of Edgar Allen Poe’s best-known horror tales, written by J.E. Ballantyne Jr., is now available.

“Edgar Allan Poe Live ... On Stage” can be ordered by calling J&B Production Arts Services at 330-799-6176 or by sending a check for $22, plus $4 for shipping and handling, payable to J.E.Ballantyne Jr., to J&B Production Arts Services, 7130 Locust Ave., Suite 12, Youngstown, OH 44512.

Purchases may also be made at jandbproductionarts.com. Signed copies are available upon request.

The book includes stage adaptations of “The Tell Tale Heart,” “The Black Cat,” “The Fall of the House of Usher,” “The Cask of Amontillado,” “The Masque of the Red Death” and “The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar,” plus two original scripts based on Poe’s life, including “Poe: Quoth the Raven ... Nevermore” and “The Tell-Tale Poe.”

All of the adaptations were performed on stage at Victorian Players Theater between 2005 and 2013. “Quoth the Raven” was performed at the Youngstown Playhouse.

The book includes an introduction that explains the process of adapting the stories, and a brief section on Poe’s life.

Those who purchase a copy before Dec. 15 will also receive a free DVD of a production of “The Tell Tale Heart.”