Theatre KAPOW and Gnomies, Concord’s newest cafe and dry-bar experience, will collaborate for one night only for Masque & Macabre: An evening of Edgar Allan Poe and Exquisite Dining on October 23 at 6 p.m.

Step beyond the ordinary and into the haunting world of Edgar Allan Poe while enjoying a delicious five-course meal. For one October night, guests will experience an intimate evening of candlelight, live theatre, beautiful food, and a touch of the macabre. Theatre KAPOW (tKAPOW) and the team at Gnomies are collaborating to create an unforgettable and exquisite event. Poe’s stories and poetry will unfold around the unique venue as diners experience elegant bites and botanical sips inspired by his dark and unforgettable works.

Guests are invited to come dressed for an evening out:  dark elegance, Victorian touches, masks, and a little theatrical flair are welcomed, but not required.

“This is not simply dinner and it is not simply theatre,” says Gnomie’s owner and head chef Susan Reidl, “it is an atmosphere and evening meant to be experienced.”

This collaboration began with a conversation back in December 2025. Brainstorming back and forth with tKAPOW founder Carey Cahoon led to the idea for an evening matching the language of Edgar Allan Poe with an immersive dining experience.

“It’s truly a perfect fit for the fall season, and the incredible new space that Susan has created at Gnomies,” said Cahoon.

Audiences can expect truly delightful bites and sips – all non-alcoholic, of course – surrounded by the distinctive words of several of Poe’s poems and classic stories including “The Tell-Tale Heart”, “The Masque of the Red Death”, “The Raven” and more.  With this combination of atmosphere, actors, and shared dining experience, Reidl says “Plan for an unforgettable evening.”

The cast features tKAPOW regulars Samantha Griffin, Glenn Provost, and Nick Meunier, joined by Hannah Heckman-McKenna making their tKAPOW debut. The show is adapted and directed by company co-founder Carey Cahoon.

Masque & Macabre: An evening of Edgar Allan Poe and Exquisite Dining is Friday, October 23 at 6 pm at Gnomies Woodland Fountain in Concord, NH. Tickets are limited and advance reservations are required. For more information, visit www.tkapow.com.

About Gnomies

Gnomies (https://www.gnomieswoodlandfountain.com/) is a place to connect, relax, sip, eat, and play.  New Hampshire’s First Dry Bar, Café & Creative Game Lounge, Gnomies is located at 254 North State St. Unit H in Concord in the space formerly Area 23.  This community hub is all about casual, analog fun. Enjoy lite bites, dinner or even brunch; dive into our massive board game library; get creative in instructor-led art classes; or rent our whimsical event space for private gatherings. Whether you are playing games, making art, sharing a meal, or meeting friends, Gnomies is your inviting woodland escape. https://www.gnomieswoodlandfountain.com/

About theatre KAPOW

theatre KAPOW (www.tkapow.com) is a Manchester, NH-based ensemble theatre company that presents great works of dramatic literature across ages and cultures, in the belief that sharing stories on stage inspires healing conversations about societal issues. tKAPOW places emphasis on the importance of rigorous formal training to develop an ensemble of skilled and dedicated theatre artists.

Every tKAPOW season features a set of related programs that includes artistic performances and educational community programs that benefit audiences across NH. tKAPOW is the resident theatre company presenting three productions each season at BNH Stage in Concord as well as Shakespeare on the Green at Saint Anselm College, Open Trainings at the company’s studio in Manchester, and educational performances and programs across the state. tKAPOW is committed to ensuring that its work benefits and is accessible to all members of the community.