DeLand, October 23, 2025
News Summary
The Orlando-based theatrical troupe Phantasmagoria is paying homage to artist Edward Gorey with a new touring production, ‘Phantasmagoria XVI: Hauntingly Whimsical Tales.’ This engaging performance will be held at the Athens Theatre in DeLand, showcasing a variety of Gorey’s adapted stories through captivating storytelling, puppetry, and original music. The show runs on October 24 and 25, with tickets priced at $35 for general seating and $40 for preferred seating.
DeLand — Orlando-based theatrical troupe Phantasmagoria celebrates the centennial of artist Edward Gorey with a new touring production titled “Phantasmagoria XVI: Hauntingly Whimsical Tales.” The show will take place at the Athens Theatre in DeLand this weekend, with performances at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 24, and Saturday, October 25. Ticket prices are $35 for general reserved seating and $40 for preferred reserved seating in the first five rows of the Center Orchestra or the first two rows of the Center Balcony (excluding fees).
What the production is and when it runs
The new touring production presents a focused tribute to Edward Gorey in a single, compact program. It is created in association with the Edward Gorey Charitable Trust and aims to present a range of Gorey’s work through theatrical adaptation. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 24, and Saturday, October 25. The venue is located at 124 N. Florida Ave., DeLand, FL. For more details, the Athens Theatre website is athensdeland.com.
Artistic approach and key elements
The performance features Phantasmagoria’s signature styles, including storytelling, dance, puppetry, projections, and original music. The production will showcase an assortment of Gorey’s tales, such as “The Gilded Bat,” “The Wuggly Ump,” and “The Gashlycrumb Tinies.” The script was created as a balance between movement and storytelling, inspired directly by Gorey’s visual style and written works. Audience members can expect original compositions by Phantasmagoria’s composer, Josh Solomon.
Design, puppetry and staging
The Gorey tribute features unique costumes and puppets, including an elaborate puppet of the Wuggly Ump measuring 10 to 12 feet high. The staging combines projections and choreography with object and puppet work to convey Gorey’s blend of whimsy and darkness. The troupe emphasizes crafting a visual and musical atmosphere that reflects both the playful and sinister aspects of the source material.
Company background and context
Phantasmagoria has adapted literary works for theatrical presentation in the past. The troupe has previously adapted works from horror icons like Edgar Allan Poe and Charles Dickens. Phantasmagoria’s founder, Byron (John DiDonna), has loved Gorey’s works since childhood and believes they fit well into their theatrical style. The company states a core mission to share stories and entertain, summarizing its existence as tied to the need for storytelling.
Logistics and ticketing
Ticket prices are $35 for general reserved seating and $40 for preferred reserved seating in the first five rows of the Center Orchestra or the first two rows of the Center Balcony (excluding fees). The venue is located at 124 N. Florida Ave., DeLand, FL. For more details, the Athens Theatre website is athensdeland.com.
Program highlights
The production will showcase an assortment of Gorey’s tales, such as “The Gilded Bat,” “The Wuggly Ump,” and “The Gashlycrumb Tinies.” Expect a running program that blends short vignettes and longer pieces to create a full evening of varied tone and pacing. The combination of original music, puppetry and movement is intended to honor Gorey’s visual and narrative idiosyncrasies while making the material accessible to contemporary audiences.
Attendance information
Performances are presented at the Athens Theatre in DeLand this weekend. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 24, and Saturday, October 25. The venue is located at 124 N. Florida Ave., DeLand, FL. For more details, the Athens Theatre website is athensdeland.com.
FAQ
When and where is the show?
Show times are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 24, and Saturday, October 25. The venue is located at 124 N. Florida Ave., DeLand, FL.
What is the production titled and what does it celebrate?
Orlando-based theatrical troupe Phantasmagoria celebrates the centennial of artist Edward Gorey with a new touring production titled “Phantasmagoria XVI: Hauntingly Whimsical Tales.”
Who created the production?
It is created in association with the Edward Gorey Charitable Trust.
What styles and elements are included in the performance?
The performance features Phantasmagoria’s signature styles, including storytelling, dance, puppetry, projections, and original music.
Which Gorey stories are featured?
The production will showcase an assortment of Gorey’s tales, such as “The Gilded Bat,” “The Wuggly Ump,” and “The Gashlycrumb Tinies.”
How much are tickets?
Ticket prices are $35 for general reserved seating and $40 for preferred reserved seating in the first five rows of the Center Orchestra or the first two rows of the Center Balcony (excluding fees).
Are there notable design or musical features?
The Gorey tribute features unique costumes and puppets, including an elaborate puppet of the Wuggly Ump measuring 10 to 12 feet high. Audience members can expect original compositions by Phantasmagoria’s composer, Josh Solomon.
What is Phantasmagoria’s background?
The troupe has previously adapted works from horror icons like Edgar Allan Poe and Charles Dickens. Phantasmagoria emphasizes their mission to share stories and entertain, stating their existence ties to the need for storytelling.
Key features chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Production title | Phantasmagoria XVI: Hauntingly Whimsical Tales |
| Presented by | Orlando-based theatrical troupe Phantasmagoria |
| Association | It is created in association with the Edward Gorey Charitable Trust. |
| Dates & times | Show times are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 24, and Saturday, October 25. |
| Venue | The venue is located at 124 N. Florida Ave., DeLand, FL. |
| Ticket prices | Ticket prices are $35 for general reserved seating and $40 for preferred reserved seating in the first five rows of the Center Orchestra or the first two rows of the Center Balcony (excluding fees). |
| Featured tales | “The Gilded Bat,” “The Wuggly Ump,” and “The Gashlycrumb Tinies” |
| Key creative elements | Storytelling, dance, puppetry, projections, original music |
| Composer | Audience members can expect original compositions by Phantasmagoria’s composer, Josh Solomon. |
| Notable puppet | The Gorey tribute features unique costumes and puppets, including an elaborate puppet of the Wuggly Ump measuring 10 to 12 feet high. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Orlando Weekly: Phantasmagoria Celebrates Edward Gorey
- Wikipedia: Edward Gorey
- Orlando Sentinel: Phantasmagoria Edward Gorey Tribute
- Google Search: Edward Gorey
- Orlando Sentinel: Phantasmagoria Review
- Google Scholar: Edward Gorey theater
- News Journal: Things to Do in Daytona Beach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Edward Gorey
- Orlando Sentinel: Arts Season Preview
- Google News: Phantasmagoria Orlando
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
