A red glow envelops the chapel as the narrator, Patrick O’Sullivan, sets the stage for the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy, an event that combines literature, cocktails, and a dash of the macabre. O’Sullivan muses on Poe’s enduring legacy: “Over a century and a half since his death in 1849, no one remains as synonymous with mystery and macabre in literature as he—a true master of words.”
This unique experience, which lasts 90 minutes, intertwines theatrical readings of Poe’s four selected works with specially crafted cocktails that correspond to each story. The event will return to Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary in Santa Ana from June 5-7, featuring tales such as “The Cask of Amontillado,” “Annabel Lee,” “The Pit and the Pendulum,” and “The Fall of the House of Usher.”
Julia Tirinnanzi, the event’s creator and a lifelong Poe enthusiast, coalesced her love for literature and libations into this captivating speakeasy concept, which first premiered in Orange County in February 2024. She explained, “There is a void for an event like this. It just seemed like such a natural pairing.” Attendees sip on historically themed cocktails while exploring the narratives of Poe’s life and works.
Last year’s cocktail menu included inventive drinks like the Pale Blue Eye and the Nevermore, each presented just before the corresponding story was read. “Each cocktail is served just before each monologue is performed,” Tirinnanzi noted, highlighting how the beverages transport guests to the Victorian era.
This year’s lineup promises fresh stories and new cocktails that remain under wraps until opening night. O’Sullivan, who will return as the narrator and perform in “The Fall of the House of Usher,” promises a different experience for audiences who attended last year’s event, while maintaining the signature dark and mysterious atmosphere.
Both he and Tirinnanzi believe deeply in Poe’s influence on modern culture, emphasizing the timeless fascination with his exploration of love, madness, and existential dread. “He’s a whole vibe," O’Sullivan remarked.
The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy is intended for guests aged 21 and older. More information, including tickets, is available at edgarallanpoebar.com.