G is for Gorey

The late Edward Gorey, also known as Ogdred Weary and Dogear Wryde (anagrams!), started illustrating books in the '50s, then swung out on his own, producing more than 100 books full of urns, statues, balustrades, curtains, puffed sleeves, and the gothic undoings of the wan upper-crust. His work is bleak, dark, and dastardly in the very best of ways. Kids love it, but so do Goths — 1963's The Gashlycrumb Tinies, which profiled the demise of 26 children representing the letters of the alphabet ("B is for Basil assaulted by bears") is a classic for the morbidly leaning. And titles like The Admonitory Hippopotamus and The Eclectic Abecedarium made him a hit with wordsmiths. But Gorey had another talent: costume design. He even won a Tony Award. The exhibit "Edward Gorey's Dracula" features photographs, set designs, sketches, and memorabilia from the 1977 play, and Dracula director Dennis Rosa appears at tonight's costumed Halloween Reception. Need something to wear? Maybe you could try the style preferred by one of Gorey's book characters, Doubtful Guest, who was naked but for high-tops and a scarf. He was also a penguin.

It starts at 7 p.m. (and the exhibit continues through Jan. 20, 2008).
Tuesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Starts: Oct. 26. Continues through Jan. 31, 2007