Quote of the Day: His heart is a suspended lute; As soon as you touch it, it resonates. Edgar Allan Poe, The Fall of the House of Usher, one of the stories referenced in Ghost Quartet, a song cycle written and composed by Dave Malloy. 

Theatre Elision presents its annual production of Ghost Quartet through Sunday, October 20, 2024. Sunday will be its first matinee for Ghost Quartet. This is the 6th time that they’ve done this mystical piece, and this year, they’ve added new elements that, I think, bring out the story even better. I loved the setting they’ve used in the past, being in Grandma’s attic, where they discover hidden instruments and uncover the story. It was fun to look at all the pictures, crates, and other hidden treasures that one would expect to find in an old attic.

Ghost Quartet at Elision Playhouse through 10/20/24. Photo: Jolie Morehouse Olson

This year, they moved the setting to the forest, “on a dull, dark, and soundless day in the autumn of the year” (also from Poe’s Usher). Through sound effects, subtle clues, and their actions, the performers show us where the action is taking place. In the opening number, they start with sound effects from a subway, the train coming closer, then the crash. We see Pearl on the platform, reacting to the horrible events. Next, they go to the camera shop. The actors portray characters, and it is clearer who they are, where they are, and what they’re doing. Now, I understand that if you’re seeing Ghost Quartet for the first time, you still might be a little lost. And, that’s okay. It’s a circular story. Listen for repeated elements, names, and feel the atmosphere of this ghostly tale. What I like about this setting, is that you feel like you’re out in the dark forest with the performers. The moon is full. The creatures creep in to listen. Someone has brought his guitar, and we’re in for some evocative storytelling around the fire, like our ancestors have done in the past, and like we still love to do.

Ghost Quartet at Elision Playhouse through 10/20/24. Photo: Jolie Morehouse Olson

Emily Hensley performed in Ghost Quartet last year in the ensemble. She returns this year as Pearl. Her pure and haunting voice suit the character well. Maureen O’Malley returns to Ghost Quartet as The Bear. She is very animated, a bit humorous, and her voice blends wonderfully with the rest of the cast. Billy Gleason is appearing in Ghost Quartet for the first time as the Astronomer. He does a great job of portraying his characters. Jeff A. Miller, Hawken Paul, and Ani Tonoyan are all ghosts who are musicians and singers, playing various roles in the stories. 

Ghost Quartet at Elision Playhouse through 10/20/24. Photo: Jolie Morehouse Olson

Christine Wade is Rose, the vocal director and the main piano player. Although, several others play various songs on the piano, and other instruments. Christine is the Artistic Director of Theatre Elision along with her husband Wade, who is the Music Director for the show. I believe he was hiding behind the curtain as the ghost of Thelonious Monk. Lindsay Fitzgerald is the director. Sound design by Andrea Johnson, very important for this atmospheric show. As is the Lighting, designed by Laina Grendle.

Ghost Quartet has become a Fall tradition for us. As we drove away last year, my companion said, “So, we’re going again next year, right.” Yes, yes we are, and did, and will go again. You can find the music on streaming platforms like Spotify, and a Youtube recording with composer Dave Malloy, but even better, go experience it live at Elision Playhouse, see how they’ve set the stage and play out the elements of this haunting tale. Go to Theatre Elision’s website for tickets and showtimes. You only have one more weekend to catch it!

PS: I’m very excited for Theatre Elision’s upcoming productions which include the regional premiere of Dave Malloy’s Tony nominated musical Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet! (Oct. 30 – Nov. 22, 2025)

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: How would you set the stage for a haunting tale?