National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre Blends Literary Traditions in New Holiday Production

The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre has commissioned an innovative theatrical production that merges Charles Dickens' classic holiday tale with the life story of America's master of horror. 'A Christmas Carol for Edgar Allan Poe' represents a creative fusion of literary traditions, reimagining Poe's biography through the structural framework of Dickens' beloved Christmas story. This artistic endeavor demonstrates how cultural organizations can reinterpret classic works to create new traditions while honoring literary heritage.

Written by Zac Pensol, a past winner of The International Edgar Allan Poe Festival 'Saturday Visiter' Award, the play explores Poe's life up to the final days of his wife Virginia Clemm. According to Poe Theatre Founder and Artistic Director Alex Zavistovich, the production examines 'the lessons he learned about love and happiness one fateful December night' through the lens of Dickens' supernatural visitation narrative. This approach showcases how non-profit arts organizations can provide fresh perspectives on historical figures and literary classics.

The production's development was supported by a grant from the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts through their Creative Baltimore Fund, highlighting the critical role of public arts funding in enabling cultural innovation. Zavistovich describes the production as 'destined to be a Baltimore holiday tradition' and 'a new spin on a timeless classic that's perfect for Baltimore.' The show will run for 12 performances at Baltimore's Motor House Theater from December 5 through December 21, 2025, demonstrating how sustained artistic programming can become embedded in community traditions.

Featuring a cast of Baltimore-based actors including Jade Green, Oz Heiligman, Sarah Bella Joyce, Rocky Nunzio, Anthony Parker, Ian Blackwell Rogers, Mallory Shear, and Alex Zavistovich, the production emphasizes local talent development. The creative team includes Mark Kamie as director, with Adam R. Adkins serving as assistant director and Katherine Ross as production manager. Technical elements include set design by James Raymond, sound design by James D. Watson III, lighting design by Andy Walling, costumes by Sarah Bella Joyce, and makeup by Siobhan Beckett, with Ronald Malone serving as stage manager.

Tickets for the production are available through https://www.poetheatre.org or https://ticketstripe.com/events/592107736357896. The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre, recognized as the only organization worldwide dedicated to adapting Poe's works across stage, radio, and educational platforms, demonstrates how specialized non-profit cultural institutions can preserve and reinterpret literary heritage while creating new artistic experiences for contemporary audiences.