Strangers in The Dark With Liquor And Literature

I live inside my head, for the most part, so it doesn’t often occur to me that I should experience things outside of it.

I’ve heard that you can be inspired to write better by having more experiences, though, so when a friend invited me to attend and then grab dinner at a local restaurant I hadn’t tried, I agreed. I’m sure the drinks were a big draw for most (each one was themed to a different story), but it’s been awhile since I attended a stage performance, so that was what I was most looking forward to.

I am a cheap date and will happily nurse a cider all night long, but the folks at the event were kind enough to give the option of mocktails. This was especially important for me since I drove myself, as getting an Uber or taxi in Peoria can be difficult at times if not outright impossible. The mocktails were every bit as delicious as the cocktails (of which I had one), and my particular favorite was The Cat’s Meow, a milk punch that Poe would have drank and which was paired, of course, with the performance of The Black Cat.

The cast that performed also served our drinks, and they were just as delightful as the mocktails. Very friendly folks, and they did an excellent job decorating and lighting the venue. It was moody, it was gothic, it was spectacular. The hostess was every bit as lovely and witty, and she kept the evening flowing nicely.

I think the performances were sold out. When our time ended there was already a long line waiting for the next show. I was happy to hop in my car to escape the cold night air and travel just a bit further down the street to the restaurant, though, as it was getting late and I was hungry.

I kept myself out of my comfort zone by ordering something new to me, a deconstructed duck tamale. Sounds pretentious, but it was so filling and felt a lot like something you’d made for yourself late at night. Creamy polenta formed the base, and duck breast that had been marinated in a chili sauce was scooped on top. A nice salsa verde was spooned around the edges, and only knowing that I was with other people kept me from licking my plate.

I like to think that I’m a fun person to be with, but that night I just wanted to listen to the folks around me. The group was made up mostly of library directors, and I might have felt a bit giddy and overwhelmed to be surrounded by so many people accomplished in a field I hope to break into.

It was pretty late (for me) when I got home, but I’m still thinking about how great the performances were, and how delicious that duck tasted. If this performing troupe comes your way, I highly recommend you go to see them. The Black Cat was my favorite of the ones performed (there was also The Tell-Tale Heart and The Raven) and I admit I wish I could have gone to a second or third showing. Maybe next year if they come through again!