Actor David Keltz has channeled Edgar Allan Poe on stage for the past 25 years, an impersonation that has continually dazzled and transported audiences. Keltz has performed one-man shows his entire career but has found sustained success in his long-running Poe act. In time for Halloween, he will once again bring the iconic horror author to life at The Lyceum in Alexandria.
Enamored when he read “The Tell-Tale Heart” at age 13, Keltz first performed his Poe impersonation at Poe’s grave in Baltimore on Halloween in 1991. It was a 20-minute performance comprising a memorized introduction and recitations of “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “Annabel Lee.” Keltz quickly gained popularity as word spread of his powerful impersonation, and he built up his repertoire as he booked more shows.
“I like the audience to come away with a feeling that they actually met Poe,” Keltz says.
Keltz has more than five hours of memorized material, including classics like “The Cask of Amontillado”; “The Black Cat”; “Some Words with a Mummy”; “The Raven,” Keltz’s personal favorite; and even Poe’s critical reviews of other writers.
Keltz has been recognized by the Maryland Governor’s Citation for promoting Poe’s legacy, has received grants from Maryland Start Arts Council to continue his work and has been praised by Poe museums in Baltimore, Richmond and Philadelphia.
Keltz’s Poe in Alexandria performance will recreate the author’s visit to Virginia in 1849 shortly before his death. The performance will take place Oct. 30-31 at 8 p.m. both nights at The Lyceum. Tickets are $15 and can be bought at The Lyceum’s website.
