A few weeks ago, I sat down with the performers of Gorey Stories as well as their talented director, Patricia Culbert. Culbert had formerly described the play as a “most lovely, chaotic, creative mess, out of which this massively talented cast, we will have a lovely, chaotic, creative masterpiece.”
It certainly is a lovely, chaotic and creative masterpiece. Wildly entertaining, Gorey Stories consists of eighteen stories based on the tales told by American writer and illustrator Edward Gorey. From the get go, the incredibly versatile cast demonstrates their abilities to transform into sets of kooky characters, interacting with each other through catchy rhymes and limericks.
Taking place on a fairly simple yet unique grey-scale setting, the actors represent and portray their stereotypical roles in beautifully designed and colorful costumes and make-up. The wide-ranging use of accents, movement, exaggerated expressions and song lure audience members into an alternate universe, one in which viewers cannot wait to see what will happen next.
Incorporating theatrical themes such as sex, death, family, and relationships, this production has so much to offer, and there is something for everyone to like. The show’s dark and at times raunchy humor will leave audiences laughing, down to the smallest detail.
Gorey Stories runs from May 29th to June 1st with shows at 7:30 pm, as well as a Sunday June 2nd matinee at 2 pm. Tickets are now on sale at the Union College Box Office, located in Yulman Theatre. This show is not to be missed.
