Talent, literature, and appeal were the driving factors behind The Rev. Shawn Clerkin’s  choosing of “Nevermore” as the most recent musical production on the Schuster Theater stage. Nevermore is a musical based on the last few hours Edgar Allan Poe spent alive. It incorporates many of his works into the show as well as the many women in his life who shaped and tugged at his life.


Clerkin said he was referred to the show by a friend who assured him that this show was a “Gannon” show – meaning that it would truly showcase the musical talent of his current students. He also said he enjoys that the musical combines education with dark wit.

“Finding a show with this kind of educational aspect is difficult,” Clerkin said, “and this show has it.”

Sophomore biology major Ryann Beaumont plays Virginia, Poe’s wife, said the show is “haunting yet beautiful, all at the same time.”

Beaumont is no stranger to theatrical productions; however, Nevermore will be her first production here at Gannon.

“I enjoy the small cast and one on one interaction that you get here,” Beaumont said. “It has allowed me to develop my character more than I have ever developed a character in my life.”

Kathleen Cahill, junior theater and communication arts major, said she also enjoys the intimate setting that the Schuster Theatre offers.

“The small theater at Gannon lets me take risks I wouldn’t otherwise take,” she said.

Cahill plays Muddy, the always loving mother of Virginia who is trying to accept Poe as her son-in-law.

Nevermore opens Thursday, Dec. 3 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 12. For more information, call the Schuster Box Office at 814-871-7494 or visit their Web site.

-Photos by Rachel Behrmann