A Very Gorey Christmas

Artist Edward Gorey designed the sets and costumes for the 1977 Broadway revival of DRACULA; this is the run where Frank Langella portrayed the Count, eventually following in the footsteps of Bela Lugosi and transitioning to playing the character in a movie (in 1979). The gorgeous, captivating design became so synonymous with the production that the show was credited to Gorey often before credit was given to the director. (“Gorey’s DRACULA.”) Gorey’s designs were nominated for a Tony award (The Tonys are to the stage what the Oscars are to the Cinema and the Grammys are to Music.), but he didn’t win (and the Tonys forever lost credibility because of it; the play did win the Tony for “Best Revival,” however, so it wasn’t a total clusterflub). In 1979, Scribner’s published DRACULA: A TOY THEATRE, featuring Gorey’s designs. The book was re-released a few years ago, transformed into a model of the theatre sets and paper dolls of all the characters. (Of course I own a copy.) Gorey’s house has been transformed into a museum featuring his work.

Edward Gorey also created a Christmas book, along with author John Updike, called THE TWELVE TERRORS OF CHRISTMAS. It’s gorgeous, as all Gorey’s works are, and captures the dark beauty of the holiday, the magical time of year when the nights are longer than any other and magic is everywhere. A perfect gift for the perpetual child and the dark-longing dreamer inside all of us.

By TheCheezman

WAYNE MILLER is the owner and creative director of EVIL CHEEZ PRODUCTIONS, specializing in theatrical performances and haunted attractions. He has written, produced, and directed (and occasionally acted in) over two dozen plays, most of them in the Horror and True Crime genres. He obtained a doctorate in Occult Studies from Miskatonic University and is an active paranormal investigator. Is frequently told he resembles Anton Lavey. And Ming the Merciless. Denn die totden reiten schnell!

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