Gather your ghoul-friends and dark-humored dates for a slashing evening of absurdly macabre tales and jauntily upsetting songs! Theatre in the Wood presents Gorey Stories: A Musical Entertainment based on the drawings and stories of Edward Gorey. The intimate parlor/party room at Peter Pratt’s Historic Inn in Yorktown Heights is the perfect setting for six talented performers to conjure the unfortunate happenings which Gorey so famously depicted. An exceptional meal with a choice of three entrees is included in your ticket price. Join us for this fast-paced telling of Gorey’s tales of deranged drama, titillating terror, and elite impunity. Performances are October 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, November 1. There will be a special Halloween show with post-show mingle, costume & illustration and creature creation prizes, and more! Ticket prices range from $100-150 and include both dinner and performance. For additional information and tickets visit: https://www.theatreinthewood.com/goreystories
Edward Gorey is known not only for his many cover illustrations on mid-20th century books and his famous opening animation for the PBS show Mystery, but he also created 116 of his own books often featuring his signature macabre and Victorian-inspired pen-and-ink drawings. From the Gashlyvrumb Tinies to the Curious Sofa —a “pornographic illustrated story about furniture” — his works have influenced the likes of Tim Burton and Lemony Snicket creator Daniel Handler.
Gorey Stories was adapted by Stephen Currens with some stories set to music by David Aldrich. The talented cast includes performers Reese Buchert (NYC), Angelina Goncharova (Hartsdale), Mitch Horn (Bedford), Joel Knopf (Peekskill), Em Salzman (NYC), and Katie Schmidt Feder (Yorktown), who also serves as director and designer for the production. Jeremy Becker underscores the show on piano. Lighting and projections are designed by Gene Panczenko. Expect some unexpected theatrical fun with puppets, props, and rudimentary lighting tricks! The Edward Gorey Trust has granted special permission for use of specific Gorey illustrations for projection and promotion.
The historic Peter Pratt’s Inn is the perfect venue for this Halloween-themed show with its intimate party room, complete with beamed ceiling and sheer curtained Georgian windows. Guests who are drawn to Gorey-esque Edwardian clothing or his frequent nod to 1920s glamour, are welcome to come in costume.
A special October 31 Halloween Night Performance includes a special cocktail/mocktail and a post-show mingle. For Halloween, costumes are welcomed but not required and guests with artistic flair are invited to bring a Gorey-inspired drawing or critter or their own crafting. Prizes will be given to top costume, drawing, and creature creation.
For customers coming up from the City, there is the possibility of van transportation from Metro North’s Croton Harmon Train Station via request to theatreinthewood@gmail.com.
