Malverne Community Theatre Casting First Show

"Nevermore" will supporters of Malverne's recently revived theatre company wonder what the troupe's debut show will be.

After months of being coy about his plans for the group's premiere production, Dave Coonan -- the Lynbrook resident and Malverne High School graduate who resurrected the dormant Malverne Community Theatre earlier this year -- announced through Facebook and email Thursday that the first show shall be "Once Upon a Midnight Dreary: A Dark Journey Through the Poetry of Edgar Allan Poe."

"E.A. Poe is known for his dark and mysterious poetry and short stories," Coonan, who is now president of MCT, wrote in an email blast sent out Sept. 6. "This show will weave together several of his darker poems (yes, including The Raven) to tell a story of lost love, fear, and the unknown. Unconventional and minimalist in nature, the words and performances will tell the tale." 

At at , which raised $1,400 for MCT, Coonan told supporters the number one goal of the group is to gain "artistic respect." He said, "There are bad community theatres and there are really good community theatres, and I want to go even beyond that to exceptional."

"Once Upon a Midnight Dreary" is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 26 and 27, "just in time for Halloween," says Coonan. Auditions will be held Thursday, Sept. 13, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 14, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the (369 Ocean Ave., Malverne).

There will be approximately 7 to 10 parts to cast, according to Coonan. Those interested in auditioning are expected to come prepared with a short (3-5 minute) dramatic monologue.

For more information about Malverne Community Theatre, visit MalverneTheatre.org or become a fan of MCT's Facebook page.