ORANGE PARK - It's been more than a century and a half since poet and writer Edgar Allan Poe last put his quill pen to paper.

But his famous works continue to live on—in more ways than one.

A group of seasoned historians brought Poe's most celebrated stories to life at Friday night's Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy event. Held at the Thrasher-Horne Center, a dark studio theater elevated the eerie atmosphere.

Straight from the page, the actors performed The Raven, The Tell-Tale Heart, The Black Cat and The Masque of the Red Death, each interpreting the short stories and poems artistically. 

The four-part set also featured a cocktail experience, with four specialty drinks to complement each reading—"The Pale Blue Eye," "Nevermore," "Cocktail of Red Death" and "The Cat's Meow," which was a twisted spin on Poe's favorite Brandy Milk Punch. 

The immersive experience for 21-and-ups travels around the globe. Team lead Kirsten Lindemulder said it was the first time they had ever performed here in the county. 

Lindemulder, a performer with Midnight Creative, recited "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Raven." She said everyone in the group was a Poe fanatic, so it was amazing to perform them for others.

"We all really do love Poe here. His work speaks to that dark part of literature that you don't always acknowledge," she said. "And, it's done so well that it's become iconic." 

The audience sat in awe when each performer hit the intimate stage, as colorful lights mixed with melancholy music took front and center.

After each set, the crowd was also encouraged to stomp, clap and react enthusiastically to the poignant readings.

The performers also managed all aspects of the show, including the sound, lights, microphones and music and serving the drinks.

Lindemulder said the experience was one the performers were excited to bring to the local area. 

"Getting to bring that same energy every time and feeling people really connect with the piece, I'm pretty sure all of us would say that it means a lot to us," she said.