House of SpeakEasy’s flagship program, “Seriously Entertaining,” is an acclaimed series of literary cabarets where authors take the stage to riff and ruminate informally, dinner-theater-style, on the evening’s theme. Since our debut show in 2014, House of SpeakEasy has been proud to feature a diverse range of authors and performers, from Pulitzer Prize–winning journalists to acclaimed novelists and poets, as well as comedians, musicians, and emerging writers.

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January 13:

Sunny-Side Up

Joe’s Pub | 7:00 p.m.

Bright beginnings, fragile hopes, and the strange alchemy of optimism. Beejhy Barhany, Annabelle Gurwitch, Natan Last, and Yuyi Morales will explore the light and the cracks that let it in. From the innocence of childhood to the vulnerability of starting over, from literal eggs to metaphorical fresh starts, “Sunny-Side Up” is about facing the new year with humor, honesty, and maybe a little yolk on your face. Featuring Don P. Hooper as our Quizmaster.

February 24:

It’s Not Me, It’s You

Joe’s Pub | 7:00 p.m.

Whether it’s a scathing farewell, a family reckoning, or a cultural call-out, “It’s Not Me, It’s You” invites featured writers including Andrés Cerpa, Gabrielle Hamilton, and Paul Muldoon to share stories of conflict, clarity, and the moment they realized they weren’t the problem. Funny, fiery, or tender, these are tales of letting go, drawing lines, and saying what’s needed to be said.

March 31:

Pleasure for Pleasure

Joe’s Pub | 7:00 p.m.

Riffing on Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, the theme “Pleasure for Pleasure” invites a celebration (or interrogation) of joy, indulgence, and desire, featuring Jon Burgerman, Sujata Massey, Caroline Paul, and Michael M. Weinstein. Think hedonism, the politics of pleasure, guilt and gratification, romantic love, art for art’s sake, the cost of pursuing pleasure in a constrained world… It’s fun and fertile ground.