I attended Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy Part II in DC, and overall it was a really enjoyable experience--especially for fans of Poe--but with a few logistical quirks worth noting.
First, "speakeasy" is definitely used loosely here. The event took place in a ballroom at the Kellogg Conference Hotel, with a stage set up at the front and several round 8-top tables arranged throughout the room. It felt more like a small theatrical performance with table seating than an intimate, hidden speakeasy-style venue.
One thing to flag: the event FAQ mentioned that some venues may have a pre-show bar but no food. That wasn't the case here--the hotel actually had food available for purchase before the show. So if that matters to you, it's worth checking directly with the venue rather than relying solely on the event website.
The performers truly carry the entire experience. They handle everything--checking tickets, seating guests, serving cocktails, and performing--which is impressive but also leads to some occasional disorganization. When we arrived, there wasn't great communication between the ticket checker and the usher, so some guests seated themselves and had to be moved later. It didn't ruin anything, but smoother coordination would make the start of the evening feel more polished.
As for the cocktails: you get four, one paired with each story. Unfortunately, this was probably the most underwhelming part. The drinks weren't very strong--you could barely taste the alcohol--and despite the website showing nice glassware, they were actually served in plastic cups. It didn't quite live up to the "cocktail experience" expectation.
That said, the performance itself was fantastic. The cast was engaging, energetic, and clearly passionate about Poe's work. They performed The Pit and the Pendulum, The Cask of Amontillado, Annabel Lee, and The Fall of the House of Usher, and each was brought to life in a compelling way. There were even a few ad-libbed moments that added humor and kept the show feeling fresh. The actors also did a great job interacting with the audience at each table while serving drinks, which added a personal touch.
Overall, despite a few hiccups with logistics and the cocktails, the strength of the performances makes this a worthwhile experience--especially if you're a Poe fan. read more