Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre is pleased to announce auditions for its upcoming production of “Murder by Poe”, written by Jeffrey Hatcher, which kicks off the theatre’s 2006-2007 special events calendar.

“Murder by Poe” opens to a dark and dreadful night. A woman in white is lost within a wood, and the only shelter is a house full of murderers. Mixing funhouse tricks, Grand Guignol and a deadly game of cat and mouse, “Murder by Poe” is a theatrical reimagining of some of Edgar Allan Poe’s most famous tales of terror: “The Black Cat”, “The Tell-Tale Heart”, “The Murders in the Rue Morgue”, “William Wilson”, “The Purloined Letter”, “The Mystery of Marie Roget” and “The Fall of the House of Usher”. As each haunted figure tells a story of crime and mayhem, the woman must solve the puzzle of the house and the riddle of the man who ushers her into its mysteries.

Auditions will be held August 22 and 24, 2006 from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre, 537 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre. Casting requirements are for 5 men and 4 women, at least 18 years of age. In addition, auditions will be held for a short piece which is currently being written for this event, that will open the evening’s entertainment.

“Murder by Poe” will be directed by Alan Waclawski, who returns to bring works inspired by “the master of the macabre” to the stage at Little Theatre after the very successful production of “Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe” in the fall of 2005.

The production will open on Friday, October 20, 2006 at 8:00 P.M. with additional performances on Saturday, October 21, 2006 also at 8:00 P.M. and a Sunday matinee on October 22, 2006 at 3:00 P.M. All tickets are general admission and cost $10. For more information, contact the Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre Box Office at (570) 823-1875.

About the Playwright: Jeffrey Hatcher is fast becoming one of the most prolific and frequently produced playwrights in the U.S., Jeffrey Hatcher adapted his acclaimed stage play “Compleat Female Stage Beauty” for the screen. He is currently working on a screenplay of “Casanova” for director Lasse Hallstrom, as well as screenplays for directors Steven Shainberg (Secretary) and Kim Pierce (Boys Don’t Cry). He has also written for the Peter Falk TV series “Columbo” and E! Entertainment Television.

About Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre: Since 1923, Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre has proudly fulfilled their mission to offer theatrical productions and various community services which educate, entertain and broaden the creative experiences of their audiences, as well as their participants and contributors. As part of that goal, Little Theatre provides training opportunities for people of all ages to develop their unique talents. As a community theatre, Little Theatre is open to all residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania and invites their participation in fulfilling their mission.