Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...there is a deep dive into ersatz Poedom to enjoy here, as executed by the hugely talented Kevin Webb in the lead role, and the whole shebang is narrated by Jeremy Trager with both relish and musical accomplishment. See, “the generous critic fann’d the Poet’s fire, and taught the world with reason to admire.” And then he gave the show 2 1/2 stars."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...Jonathan Christenson’s “Nevermore – The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe” is a deathbed hallucination in the form of a gently campy musical burlesque with operatic overtones and bits of black comedy. And it might well call to mind the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes’ description of life outside society as “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short.""
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...The show consequently lacks heft--which may be why director Ed Rutherford is so willing to push lurid atmospherics at the cost of clarity. Still, Christenson's score is far better than his book, and, under Nick Sula's strong music direction, the band and cast of this Black Button Eyes production make the most of it."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Somewhat Recommended
"...Although Nevermore could, in our opinion use some rewriting of the script to include more acting, it still provides an interesting look into the life of Edgar Allan Poe that is worth seeing."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...That leaves us with the true star of this production. Kevin Webb, whose talents have been enjoyed in almost every production by this company, is Edgar Allan Poe. Having appeared all over Chicago, from the Court Theatre to Pride Films & Plays, Mr. Webb mesmerizes in the title role. The actor bears such a strong physical resemblance to Poe that his appearance feels almost supernatural. That Webb also has a vocal range that soars to the rafters is yet one more reason to see this young man; but it’s the hurt and humility, seen through this talented actor’s eyes, that allow him to deliver the story of Edgar Allan Poe into each theatergoer’s heart. Here is the first production of the New Year that’s an absolute must-see."
Chicago Theater Beat - Recommended
"...Nevermore also has a vocally strong cast, led by the always incredible Kevin Webb. Webb portrays Poe from age six to adulthood with aplomb, giving the character a trembling vulnerability (that gave the real Poe’s writing such heart) and a determination to win with the hand he’s dealt, that slowly erodes as life gets the better of him. Jessica Lauren Fisher is delightful as Poe’s actress mother Eliza, who appears in flashbacks throughout his life, and Maiko Terazawa shines as Fanny Allan, Poe’s foster mother who is kind and loving, but struggles with mental illness. Despite a few over-the-top touches, Nevermore is thoroughly enjoyable for fans of Edgar Allan Poe, unconventional musicals and the darker side of human (and inhuman) nature."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...Rutherford’s cast is just about as perfect as it gets. Some of Chicago’s finest musical theatre actors make up this seven-member ensemble, most of them playing multiple roles. The company is led by the magnificent, many-talented Jeff Award-winner, Jeremy Trager. He is Player 1, one of the two main narrators of the piece, and an actor whose face and form bespeak suspense and mystery at every turn."
Third Coast Review - Somewhat Recommended
"...Black Button Eyes’ darkly gothic production of Nevermore: The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe makes good use of the Edge Theatre’s spacious proscenium stage. The six performers (plus a teenage girl puppet and Kevin Webb as Poe) play many roles to try to keep this story of Poe’s tragic life on its path of woe and melancholy."
Chicago Theater and Arts - Highly Recommended
"...If you are a fan of vocal harmony you will love this score. Though lacking a real breakout number, Christenson’s music is very sophisticated and has a modern but slightly nostalgic feel that lends itself perfectly to the historic storyline."
Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended
"...As a former English teacher, I was certainly looking forward to Black Button Eyes Productions' latest play, Nevermore: The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe. I had no idea what I was about to witness. Bookended with scenes of Poe in bed dying-thus making the entire play a kind of fever dream-Nevermore plays out more as a light opera than a musical, with soaring vocals, recitative narration, exquisite costuming, dynamic choreography, brilliant stage movement, and some of the finest performances, direction, and sound design you are likely to get anywhere in the city. It is a show unlike any I have ever seen before, and one worthy of the macabre and unusual world of its subject."
Picture This Post - Recommended
"...Theater goers who like the polish of big budget Broadway productions might be a tad disappointed. However, if you love small theater energy Black Button Eyes Productions more than delivers. Anyone fascinated by Poe and his literary legacy will find much to feast upon here."
Splash Magazine - Not Recommended
"...The performance, well sung, stylishly designed, dressed with clever costumes and enhanced by engaging puppets is laced with campy self-mockery and kitschy macabre gestures. The humor sounds, however, all in one note; this operatic musical riffs on the tragically sad facts of Poe’s life with an effort to transmute those awful details into fodder for his poems. The song “Israfel” is the best example; it’s sung by Webb, made up to look uncannily like Edgar Allen, with real pathos and gives us a strong hint of the genius poet to come. Most of the time, though, Webb as Poe mopes and cowers in fear of his personal demons, while the rest of the cast parade archly about the set."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Visually dark and delightfully gothic, the production flawlessly executes Derek Van Barham’s choreography and makes good use of Beth Laske-Miller’s costume design. Director Ed Rutherford allows everything on stage to flourish and the result is a very seductive production that stays true to the nature of one of America’s tragic artists. There may be no better way to celebrate the ending of the sugary sweet holiday season than by taking in this melancholy laced delight."
