The Masque of the Red Death

A party of tourists visits the abbey of the notorious Masque of the Red Death but only one is allowed to remain behind to see a rehearsal of a play telling its story - Prince Prospero rules his poverty-stricken, plague-ridden people with concern only for his self-indulgent luxury and the protection of himself and his friends. Poe's macabre tale, enlivened by various entertainers, tells of the destruction of the selfish aristocrats and demonstrates the price to be paid for indifference to others.

Cast : About 50 (variable m/f); with doubling can reduce to about 30. One solo dancer (f) and a troupe of 6 or 7 others, including gymnast, acrobat, juggler, etc. Suggested Age Range : 10 - 18. Running Time : 75 minutes + interval - Music : Mediaeval-style dance music and entertainment plus mood-music for scene changes etc.; either live or taped. Set : Interior of castle/abbey, opening into streets, etc. Costume is part mediaeval, part modern.