Killing an Evening with Edgar Allan Poe

Killing an Evening
with Edgar Allan Poe
Seance at the Merchant's House

Back by popular demand March 25 - April 5, 2026

Summoners Ensemble Theatre, in association with the Merchant’s House Museum, announces the return of Killing an Evening with Edgar Allan Poe for 12 performances this spring at the Merchant’s House Museum (29 E. 4th Street, Manhattan), named the “#1 most haunted place in NYC” by Time Out New York.

John Kevin Jones performs this spooky solo show, which debuted to great acclaim in 2018 and returns for its fourth installment, for 12 performances running March 25 – April 6, 2026. At select performances, a pre-show reception – “Raise a Glass to Edgar” – will offer wine, a taste of the infamous Amontillado, and more of Mr. Poe’s poetry.

John Kevin Jones and director Dr. Rhonda Dodd (creators of the annual holiday production A Christmas Carol at the Merchant’s House, returning this year November 25-December 28 for its 13th installment) will summon Edgar Allan Poe to life nightly to tell his classic tales in the landmark 1832 double parlors of the Merchant’s House Museum, New York City’s only 19th century family home preserved intact, inside and out.

Tickets are priced $65-$75 and are now on sale at www.merchantshouse.org and www.summonersensemble.org. Seating is strictly limited to 40 per performance.

In 1845, Edgar Allan Poe lived just blocks from the Merchant's House, on Amity Street (now W. 3rd Street).The publication of “The Raven” in January brought him instant fame and invitations to the city's most fashionable literary salons. Join John Kevin Jones (A Christmas Carol at the Merchant's House) in the Merchant’s House Museum’s 19th century, candlelit double parlor for a hauntingly memorable performance of Poe’s, “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Cask of Amontillado,” “The Angel of the Odd” and, of course, “The Raven.” It will be a bone-chilling evening of irrational revenge, obsession and premeditated murder, dismemberment, and the very, very dark.

* The pre-show reception, “Raise a Glass to Edgar,” is offered at four select performances only. Join actor John Kevin Jones in the Merchant’s House Museum’s 19th-century kitchen and raise a glass in honor of Poe’s legacy. Enjoy a glass of wine (non-alcoholic available) and even sample the infamous Amontillado. Jones will delve into the darker corners of Poe’s genius with haunting performances of “Annabel Lee,” and “Alone." The kitchen, family room, and garden (weather permitting) of the Merchant’s House Museum will be open to guests during the reception. Look for the “Raise a Glass to Edgar – reception” ticketing option. Strictly limited to 20 guests. $30 per person. Step back in time for some chilling poetry and a touch of mystery… if you dare.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
Wednesday, March 25 at 7:00PM
Thursday, March 26 at 7:00PM
* Friday, March 27 at 7:00PM (reception at 6:00PM)
Saturday, March 28 at 7:00PM
* Saturday, March 28 at 9:30PM (reception at 8:30PM)
Sunday, March 29 at 6:00PM

Wednesday, April 1 at 7:00PM
Thursday, April 2 at 7:00PM
* Friday, April 3 at 7:00PM (reception at 6:00PM)
Saturday, April 4 at 7:00PM
* Saturday, April 4 at 9:30PM (reception at 8:30PM)
Sunday, April 5 at 6:00PM

Running time - 70 minutes, no intermission

Ravin' Reviews!

“Whatever the rising winds may be doing outside the Merchant's House, John Kevin Jones is bringing Edgar Allan Poe's works vibrantly alive in the candle-lit parlor within.”
– CurtainUp

“Exceptional. A terrific Halloween treat.”
– BroadwayWorld

“You might be watching one man, but you’ll feel like you’re seeing each of Poe’s characters in vivid detail.”
– This Week in New York