A Spine-Chilling Holiday Spectacle: 'A Christmas Carol for Edgar Allan Poe' Debuts in Baltimore

A Fresh Twist on Classic Tales

Imagine if the haunting tales of Edgar Allan Poe were intertwined with the hopeful spirit of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'. This innovative concept comes to life in 'A Christmas Carol for Edgar Allan Poe', a newly commissioned play that merges two literary giants into one unforgettable holiday experience. Written by Zac Pensol, a recipient of The International Edgar Allan Poe Festival "Saturday Visiter" Award, the play is a testament to creativity and the enduring power of storytelling.

The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre, another past winner of the "Saturday Visiter" Award, brings this captivating story to the stage with a series of 12 performances from December 5 through December 21 at Baltimore's Motor House Theatre. Funded in part by the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, Creative Baltimore Fund, this production is not just a play but a potential new Baltimore holiday tradition, as highlighted by Poe Theatre Founder and Artistic Director Alex Zavistovich.

The Tale Retold

'A Christmas Carol for Edgar Allan Poe' promises a journey through the life of America's master of horror and suspense, focusing on the last days of his beloved wife Virginia Clemm. It's a story of love, loss, and redemption, set against the backdrop of a fateful December night. Zavistovich's vision for this play is clear: to offer a fresh perspective on Poe's story, blending it with the classic Dickensian structure of lessons learned and spirits visiting in the night. It's a bold endeavor to marry such distinct universes, but one that speaks volumes of the creative ambition behind this project.

The cast features a group of Baltimore-based talents, including Jade Green, Oz Heiligman, Sarah Bella Joyce, Rocky Nunzio, Anthony Parker, Ian Blackwell Rogers, Mallory Shear, and Alex Zavistovich himself. The behind-the-scenes team is equally impressive, with Mark Kamie directing, Adam R. Adkins assisting, and a host of others contributing their skills to bring this vision to life.

Joining the Tradition

The performance schedule is packed, offering audiences multiple opportunities to catch this unique blend of horror and holiday cheer. With shows running across three weekends, there's ample time to make 'A Christmas Carol for Edgar Allan Poe' a part of your holiday festivities. Tickets are available for purchase online, ensuring easy access to what could become a cherished Baltimore tradition.

The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre is no stranger to innovation, with its award-winning 'Poe Theatre on the Air' series showcasing adaptations of Poe's stories. This play is yet another example of their commitment to celebrating Poe's legacy in creative and engaging ways. For those intrigued by the prospect of a holiday play with a twist, 'A Christmas Carol for Edgar Allan Poe' offers a perfect blend of eerie suspense and warm holiday spirit.

In the end, what makes 'A Christmas Carol for Edgar Allan Poe' so fascinating is its ability to bridge two worlds: one of dark, brooding tales and another of redemptive, joyful narratives. This play not only promises a captivating theatrical experience but also a deeper appreciation for the complexities of Poe's life and works. As we gather to celebrate the holiday season, let's embrace this opportunity to see a different side of the stories we thought we knew, all while supporting the vibrant arts scene in Baltimore.