In New Orleans, Louisiana, four Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy performers are pictured in dark costumes to evoke the works of American writer Edgar Allan Poe. Courtesy photo

For those who can recite Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Raven” by heart — and for those who struggle to do so — ArtsAltoona is hosting an Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy event March 27-28, where literature is promoted and drinks are encouraged.

Based in Orlando, Florida, the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy is a traveling group that visits locations across the United States to read four reimagined Poe pieces, including “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Raven,” “The Masque of the Red Death” and “The Black Cat.”

According to events manager Heidi Lynn Snyder, each reading incorporates “our own flair, but keeps to the core of his (Poe’s) stories.”

Wearing costumes with small stage set-ups, performers are “very dramatic and put their whole selves into the storytelling,” ArtsAltoona Administrative Director Catherine Newman said.

Along with each performance comes a specially-brewed cocktail (or mocktail) inspired by Poe’s work or personal life. For upcoming events, the speakeasy is serving Pale Blue Eye, Edgar’s Twisted Brandy Milk Punch, Cocktail of Red Death and The Nevermore.

“The cocktails aren’t just simple drinks you can order whenever,” Newman said, adding that Edgar’s Twisted Brandy Milk Punch is a call back to Poe’s favorite alcoholic beverage.

“It’s a really interesting way to present a historical person’s work,” she said. “Someone may have no interest in Poe, but pairing it with a cocktail can speak to younger folk.”

Hauntingly

good times

Taking a liking to dark aesthetics and horror, speakeasy producer Ryan Wieczorek began the traveling group in 2021, Snyder said. Growing into a nationwide sensation, the speakeasy group formed 12 different teams of five to 10 individuals to perform at regional events.

During an hour-and-15-minute performance, performers can be seen on stage and serving drinks while staying in character.

Considering the event’s emphasis on a Gothic literature writer, Snyder said it’s not a typical weekend performance.

“It’s unique and a little different,” she said.

Many people have a fascination with Poe and his works, Newman said, as they’re frequently studied in English classes or

adapted for film.

And the ambiance that Poe created within his works more than 150 years ago will be amplified in The Sanctuary at ArtsAltoona, considering the venue’s large space and stained glass windows.

Even though the company usually holds events in smaller, intimate settings with a limit of 100 people, the organizers of the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy thought The Sanctuary at ArtsAltoona would be a perfect fit, Newman said.

No matter the venue size, she said the speakeasy event is a great opportunity for locals to try something new.

“Everyone can do the transitional sense of going out, but we’ve never had this experience at Altoona,” she said.

If you go:

What: Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy

When: 6, 8 and 10 p.m. March 27 and 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m. March 28.

Where: The Sanctuary at ArtsAltoona

Requirement: Only those 21 and older are permitted with a valid ID

Tickets: March 27 — $65 for 6 p.m.; $65 for 8 p.m.; $55 for 10 p.m.; March 28 — $55 for 2 p.m.; $55 for 4 p.m.; $65 for 6 p.m.; and $65 for 8 p.m.

Visit https://feverup.com/m/569403/ for tickets.

Mirror Staff Writer Colette Costlow is at 814-946-7414.