New Play 'A Christmas Carol for Edgar Allan Poe' Blends Literary Giants in Baltimore Production

The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre has commissioned a groundbreaking theatrical production that merges the life of America's master of horror with one of literature's most beloved holiday stories. Written by Zac Pensol, a past winner of The International Edgar Allan Poe Festival "Saturday Visiter" Award, "A Christmas Carol for Edgar Allan Poe" represents an ambitious fusion of two literary traditions that promises to become a distinctive Baltimore holiday experience.

The play follows the structural framework of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" while chronicling the life of Edgar Allan Poe up to the final days of his wife Virginia Clemm. According to Poe Theatre Founder and Artistic Director Alex Zavistovich, the production explores the lessons Poe learned about love and happiness during one fateful December night, creating what he describes as "a new spin on a timeless classic that's perfect for Baltimore." The innovative concept positions the production as potentially becoming a lasting holiday tradition for the city.

Performances will take place at Baltimore's Motor House Theater located at 120 W North Avenue, with the show opening on December 5 and running for twelve performances through December 21. The production schedule includes evening performances at 8 pm and matinees at 2 pm across three weekends, providing multiple opportunities for audiences to experience this unique theatrical blend. The project received financial support through a grant from the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, Creative Baltimore Fund, highlighting the city's commitment to supporting innovative artistic endeavors.

The production features an entirely Baltimore-based cast including Jade Green, Oz Heiligman, Sarah Bella Joyce, Rocky Nunzio, Anthony Parker, Ian Blackwell Rogers, Mallory Shear, and Alex Zavistovich. Behind the scenes, the creative team includes Mark Kamie as director with Adam R. Adkins serving as assistant director, ensuring the vision for this literary mashup comes to life effectively. Tickets for the production are available through https://ticketstripe.com/events/592107736357896 and additional information can be found at https://www.poetheatre.org.

The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, stands as the only company worldwide dedicated exclusively to adapting Poe's works across various media platforms. The organization has gained recognition for its award-winning "Poe Theatre on the Air" series of radio drama adaptations, which have been broadcast on National Public Radio, WYPR-FM, and distributed through major platforms including Amazon Music, Audible, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts. This new production continues their mission of bringing Poe's legacy to contemporary audiences through innovative interpretations.