Two Lord Byron plays for classic Gothic drama

Although touring theatrical troupes have a long and distinguished traditions, the 200th anniversary that Evening Crane Theatre is currently celebrating is not its own.

Rather, it’s the bicentennial of the play "Manfred" by George Gordon Byron, better known as Lord Byron, the most flamboyantly notorious of the Romantic poets. Evening Crane will stage the darkly romantic "Manfred"(1817) and the mystery play "Cain" (1821) at White Horse Black Mountain on Monday, May 22.

The New York-based Evening Crane Theatre was founded in 2016 by director Michael Seebold with the aim of bringing Lord Byron’s verse dramas to the stage. The standout cast includes Charles Robson, Ashley Cummings, Patrick Seebold, Kat Lanier Froehlich, Michael Seebold, Kat Reece and Christopher McBennett.

“The particular combination of 'Manfred' and 'Cain' brings together Byron’s darkest and most enigmatic verse dramas for an evening of terror and gothic romance," Seebold said.

The two-hour double-header production contains frightening scenes that may not be suitable for young children.

Doubly dark

What: Evening Crane Theatre

When: 7:30 p.m. May 22

Where: White Horse Black Mountain

Cost: $18 advance, $20 door