BUTLER TWP — Dark and daunting but delightful all the same. “Edgar Allan Poe: Tales of the Grotesque” by Eric W. Cook debuted to a preview audience Thursday in preparation for the opening this evening at the Succop Theatre.

It is the latest offering from Hobnob Theatre Co.

“Edgar Allan Poe: Tales of the Grotesque” is a cleverly written and expertly produced glimpse into the life of one of America's classic and most often misunderstood authors.

The play uses scenes from some of Poe's classic works as well as correspondence, critiques and other words from his own pen. Playwright Cook weaves them together to form a two hour dialogue of sorts that explores Poe's fascination with the dark side.

It opens with a few guys, including Poe, played by Justin Anderson, chatting in a bar after having spent a night imbibing.

Mr. Toller, played by Casey Bowser, makes his presence and his mission known much to Poe's chagrin. Bowser plays a merchant of sorts whose dealings involve death which had been a source of fascination for Poe.

The duo verbally duels about the meaning of death and whether or not it could be overcome. Bowser offers a great performance as the antagonist who propels Poe to search his soul.

“The Masque of the Red Death” is featured with Bob Meals as Prospero leading the way as he and his guests taunt death itself in their hedonistic pursuits. The scene conveys how the wealthy characters believe they can cheat death.

“The Fall of the House of Usher” is a haunting portrayal with Kevin Lukacs as George Ainsworth and Eric Snyder as Roderick Usher with Whitney Ann Jenkins as Madeline Usher. Snyder's character of a man who dabbles with insanity is quite convincing.

Phil Ball takes the lead as the Young Man in “The Tell-Tale Heart” where he eerily schemes to murder his uncle. He takes the audience on an unsettling journey into the mind of a madman. The performance could be uncomfortable to watch because it was so well acted.

“The Raven” is told by Poe himself. Though Anderson's character is compelling throughout, his forceful and evocative rendition of “The Raven” is outstanding and deeply moving.

Poe's wife and mother-in-law are played by Abby Gumpper and Alison Carey. The pair interacts solely with each other and their chemistry makes their relationship believable.

The women skillfully ride the tide of emotions of love, loss, hope and defeat. They make the connection of how their lives impacted the direction of Poe's work as well as the toll his failures took on family.

A cast of supporting actors does a superb job as well.

The costumes are fabulous and the special effects combine to create a provocative look at Poe. Elizabeth and Kenneth Smith are a dynamic duo when it comes to bringing life to the arts and this introspective on Poe is no different. They had a mission to share Poe, hired a person to write the script and expertly cast the show.

All that is left is for the audience to receive it.

WHAT: “Edgar Allan Poe: Tales of the Grotesque”WHEN: 8 p.m. today and SaturdayWHERE: The Succop Theatre at Butler County Community CollegeTICKETS: $10, available online at www.hobnobtheatre.com or from May’s Music Shoppe, 247 E. Jefferson St., as well as at the door.