Baltimore Theater Premieres Dickens-Poe Mashup 'A Christmas Carol for Edgar Allan Poe'
The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre presents an innovative holiday production merging Charles Dickens' classic structure with Edgar Allan Poe's life story, creating a new Baltimore cultural tradition supported by city arts funding.
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. "A Christmas Carol for Edgar Allan Poe" represents a creative fusion of two literary giants, with performances scheduled for December 5-21 at Baltimore's Motor House Theater.
Written by Zac Pensol, a past winner of The International Edgar Allan Poe Festival "Saturday Visiter" Award, the play reimagines Charles Dickens' classic structure through the lens of Edgar Allan Poe's life. The production follows Poe's story up to the final days of his wife Virginia Clemm, exploring themes of love and happiness during a fateful December night. Poe Theatre Founder and Artistic Director Alex Zavistovich described the work as "exactly what it sounds like: A mashup of the life of Edgar Allan Poe and the structure of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol.'"
The production's significance extends beyond artistic innovation, representing a strategic investment in Baltimore's cultural economy. The show received partial funding through a grant from the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, Creative Baltimore Fund, demonstrating the city's commitment to supporting unique theatrical ventures. Zavistovich emphasized the production's local relevance, stating "'A Christmas Carol for Edgar Allan Poe' is a new spin on a timeless classic that's perfect for Baltimore."
The creative team features exclusively Baltimore-based talent, including director Mark Kamie and a cast of local actors such as Jade Green, Oz Heiligman, Sarah Bella Joyce, and Rocky Nunzio. The technical crew includes James Raymond handling set design, James D. Watson III managing sound design, and Andy Walling overseeing lighting design. This local collaboration reinforces the production's role in supporting Baltimore's artistic community.
Tickets for the 12-performance run are available through the organization's official website at https://www.poetheatre.org or through the ticketing platform at https://ticketstripe.com/events/592107736357896. The performance schedule spans three weekends with both matinee and evening shows, providing multiple opportunities for audiences to experience this unique holiday offering.
The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, maintains its position as the only company worldwide dedicated to adapting Poe's works across multiple platforms. The organization has gained recognition for its "Poe Theatre on the Air" radio drama series, distributed through major platforms including National Public Radio, WYPR-FM, Amazon Music, and Apple Podcasts. This new production continues their mission of bringing Poe's legacy to contemporary audiences through innovative interpretations.