Poe-Pourri: Masquerade Ball

As the official kick-off site for The Big Read, historic Sonnenberg Mansion is the perfect place for a masquerade ball to honor Edgar Allan Poe.

On Friday, October 2 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, the lights will dim as dramatic readings of Poe’s major works, including “The Raven” and “The Tell-Tale Heart,” are chillingly delivered to a captivated audience by state officials and other community members.

Students from Canandaigua Academy’s Drama Department will play Poe’s troubled characters including Fortunato, Roderick Usher and Prince Prospero. Poe himself will make an appearance. Guests will be challenged to guess the characters and Poe’s stories or poems. Costumes will be judged and prizes awarded.

Teens and adults are invited to this ticketed, catered event. Tickets can be purchased at Wood Library for $8/person. RSVP by September 30. Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion is located at 151 Charlotte St. in Canandaigua. The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest.