Gorey Stories
A musical entertainment adapted by Stephen Currens
Music by David Aldritch
Based on the work of Edward Gorey
Featuring a special encore mini-concert tribute to The Tiger Lillies
Directed by David M. Jenkins
Oct. 24 – Nov. 18, 2012
Thu. – Sat. 8pm, Sun. 4pm
Tickets: $28
Shimberg Playhouse, Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Winner!
- 2008 Creative Loafing Best of the Bay – Best Costume Designer – Katrina Stevenson
- Jobsite Jobby – Best Supporting Actress (tie) – Summer Bohnenkamp-Jenkins
- Jobsite Jobby – Best Overall Design – Brian Smallheer (Scenic/Lights) & Katrina Stevenson (Costume)
This show is dedicated to the memory of Rachel Lisi who loved both Jobsite and Edward Gorey.
Not so much of a return as a reboot, Jobsite revisits their wildly popular 2007 production that enjoyed a sold-out four-week run.
Gorey Stories is a compilation of stories, poems and limericks – a neo-gothic vision of the world as dark, mysterious, and yet simultaneously hilarious. In the mix are unusual creatures, curious landscapes, insanity, religious fanaticism, murder, catchy tunes and a deep appreciation for all of the arts.
"A unique, odd, perverse and engaging entertainment. It is not an evening you are going to easily forget." – N.Y. Post.
Click to enlarge
One of the many changes to Jobsite's 2012 staging of the show is the addition of an encore mini-concert of songs from the album by The Tiger Lillies with Kronos Quartet, The Gorey End. Gorey shared a box of unpublished stories with The Tiger Lillies before his death that they turned into a concept album, and Jobsite will be staging songs such as "Gin," "The Weeping Chandelier," and "The Hipdeep Family."
Other changes to the show from Jobsite's 2007 production include new takes on the costumes, set, props and make-up along with the introduction of video projection and puppetry, new arrangements of the music with different instruments, and a cast of six now performing a show, which was originally done with a cast of nine.
"We had such a blast with this show the first time through, and even as successful as the show was, we all had ideas on how we could really take it to the next level if we had another crack at it," offers director David M. Jenkins.
"Those who saw the show before will find plenty of new things to enjoy while falling in love with a favorite all over again, and those who missed out the first time are really going to be in for a treat. We're really excited about the puppets and marionettes. I just saw the plans for a full-sized Osbick Bird marionette which has me feeling like a schoolboy. Also, we're going to be able to do some really fun stuff with video and with making the cast and band much more interactive with one another this time. It's a rare thing to get a second chance at a show like this. We can't wait."
Jobsite's past Halloween blockbusters have included sold-out runs of Dracula, The Night of the Living Dead, The Pillowman and Mindgame.
Age recommendation: 14+ Contains some adult subject matter and situations.
Jobsite believes the show to be suitable for most, though always recommends patrons do their research. The dark but playful material has the occassional bit of entendre and is certainly darkly sardonic, but the amusing results are suitable for those who already love Lemony Snicket or the worlds of Tim Burton.
About the Artists
Edward Gorey
The late Edward Gorey (d. 2000) illustrated and wrote short stories, poems, prose and plays based in an eerie and macabre world full of odd characters (often children) that experience strange fates and mysterious demises. Among his best-known works are dark delights like The Gashleycrumb Tinies, The Hapless Child and the titillating tale The Curious Sofa. His illustrations resemble Victorian-era woodcut drawings with a bit of Goya, Aubrey Beardsley and Charles Addams thrown in for good measure. His illustrations were animated for the introduction to the PBS show Mystery!, and he provided production design for popular Broadway productions such as Dracula (for which he won a Tony for Best Costumes). He also illustrated T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, the basis for the musical CATS.
Most are not aware that Gorey was ever responsible for a musical, and that’s due to the fact that it closed the same night it opened – Oct. 31, 1978. Around the turn of the century, the play found a second life in black-box theaters who have concentrated on the unique storytelling and the brilliant characters in a more intimate environment.
Cast & Crew
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Jobsite’s production features a six-member ensemble under the direction of Jobsite Producing Artistic Director David M. Jenkins: Jason Evans, Amy Gray, Summer Bohnenkamp-Jenkins, Michael C. McGreevy, Spencer Meyers, and Katrina Stevenson.
Gorey Stories is under the baton of music director Robert Jarosh and features a three-piece band consisting of piano, double-bass, and percussion. The monochromatic pallete (black, white and grey) of the show will be brought to life by a scenic and lighting design by Brian Smallheer, costumes by three-time Best of the Bay Award winning designer Katrina Stevenson, puppetrs and marionettes by Amanda Bearss, and properties by Christen Petitt-Hailey.
Check out the Gorey Stories bios for more about the cast and crew.
2012–13 Season Tickets
A mini-season ticket to the remaining two plays is on sale now at 20% off the regular price – that's $44.80 per season ticket plus a $10 handling fee per order (whether you purchase one season ticket or 100.)
If you have any questions about season tickets, please email us at .
Order Now
Call 813.229.7827 between noon and 8pm, or visit the Straz Center Ticket Office. If you prefer to fax or mail your order, please complete and send in our order form. Further instructions and details are on the form.
See more about Jobsite's Season Tickets.
Fahrenheit 451 | Gorey Stories | Hay Fever
Much Ado About Nothing | Behind the Gates | The Lonesome West