BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Bloomington’s favorite musical mastermind returns for his annual performance of Dennis James Hosts Halloween, this year celebrating Edgar Allan Poe – in Silent Films and Radio Drama, on October 17 at 7:30 p.m. This annual Halloween spooky spectacular dates back over five decades and is one of the longest-running traditions in Bloomington.

 

James, an Indiana University graduate and a world-renowned cinematic organist, will provide the soundtrack on IU Auditorium’s 4,543 pipe organ for a pair of classic silent films and a live radio reenactment themed around Poe and his writings.

 

The evening will begin with a short film titled Edgar Allen Poe (the misspelling is purposeful) showing Poe inspired to write his most famous poem, “The Raven,” as he desperately tries to sell it to support his sick wife. Then, back by popular demand, live actors including students from IU’s Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance will reenact an episode from the 1940s radio drama Inner Sanctum called “The Tell-Tale Heart.” The episode is a dramatization of Poe’s famous story of a man who could hear every sound on Earth, even things that did not exist.

 

The featured silent film that James will bring to life is titled The Avenging Conscience, a 1915 classic based on Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart” and his poem “Annabelle Lee.”

 

“Dennis James is a true IU legend and every year he brings to life a longstanding tradition that we are always excited to host,” said IU Auditorium Executive Director Maria Talbert. “Once again this year, we look forward to showcasing the dramatic stylings of Dennis James as he brings the work of Edgar Allan Poe to life. This annal event is truly an IU tradition you won’t want to miss.”

 

B97 Costume Parade

All patrons are encouraged to arrive early for an all-ages costume parade with a chance to win $100 to Pizza X and tickets to a future Auditorium show. Before the show, anyone in costume can line up and parade across the IU Auditorium stage in front of the audience. Everyone who participates will be entered into a live drawing for prizes and the winner will be announced before the show begins.

 

An Afternoon with Poe at Morgenstern’s Bookstore and Café

On Saturday, October 12 in anticipation of Dennis James Hosts Halloween, IU Auditorium is partnering with Morgenstern’s Bookstore and Café for An Afternoon with Poe at their bookstore at 849 Auto Mall Rd. in Bloomington. The free event will include a lecture about Edgar Allan Poe, a reading of “The Raven,” poetry on demand, fun photo opportunities, and POEtions (specialty drinks) at the café. The event will run from 3–5 p.m.

 

Dennis James Hosts Halloween at IU Auditorium is presented in partnership with Crumble Coffee and Bakery and the IU Foundation. IU Auditorium’s 2024–2025 season is presented by Curry Auto Center, Cook, The Herald Times, Upland Brewing Company, World Arts Inc., and B97.