Edgar Allan Poe: Once Upon a Midnight

John Astin (center) with production crew of show

Edgar Allan Poe: Once Upon a Midnight is a one-man play written by Paul Day Clemens and Ron Magid. Its production run, beginning in 1998[1] and touring over 100 cities before ending in 2004,[2] starred John Astin in the title role of Edgar Allan Poe.

In an interview, John Astin stated that "the truth has an element of the macabre in it" and that "Poe was a seeker of truth, and that made his work all the more beautiful and romantic. He dealt with life and death and the sometimes frightening realities they bear. He was not afraid to explore the darkness. He didn’t pretend it didn’t exist."[3] Astin also said that the play gives the opportunity for the spirit of Poe to return to "straighten out all the forgeries and untruths told about him."[1]

  1. ^ a b Cotter, James F. (2 April 2002). "Meet the Poe you didn't know". Times Herald-Record. Retrieved 6 December 2022.
  2. ^ Smith, Tim (18 January 2009). "The Rise of the House of Poe". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 6 December 2022.
  3. ^ Alexander, Steve. "John Astin bringing ghost of Poe to Holmdel 'Once Upon a Midnight' – Central Jersey Archives". Retrieved 6 December 2022.