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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September 2:

SOLD OUT: Seriously Celebrating

The New Yorker’s 100th Anniversary: Fiction

Joe’s Pub | 7:00 p.m.

We’re kicking off the season with an incredible lineup celebrating A Century of Fiction in The New Yorker. Hosted by New Yorker fiction editor Deborah Treisman and historian Amanda Foreman, the electric evening of live storytelling features New Yorker fiction writers Junot Díaz, Mary Gaitskill, Yiyun Li, ZZ Packer, and Gary Shteyngart.

Expect sharp wit, unforgettable storytelling, and a glimpse into The New Yorker’s storied literary legacy—all live on stage.

September 30:

Seriously Celebrating

The New Yorker’s 100th Anniversary: Poetry

powerHouse Books | 6:30 p.m.

For one night only, House of SpeakEasy is bringing Seriously Entertaining to powerHouse Books in DUMBO for a special free show celebrating A Century of Poetry in The New Yorker, co-hosted by Lucas Wittmann and New Yorker poetry editor Kevin Young.

The evening presents original storytelling from poets featured in A Century of Poetry in The New Yorker, preceded by a showcase of student poets from House of SpeakEasy’s SpeakTogether program at the Williamsburg High School of Arts and Technology.

October 21:

Mind the Gap

Joe’s Pub | 7:00 p.m.

What do you get when you cross the Queen’s English with New York attitude? Join us to find out. House of SpeakEasy teams up with the Association of Marshall Scholars for a transatlantic literary evening exploring how the U.S. and the U.K. remain two countries divided by a common language.

Hosted by Marshall scholar Bill Buford and Amanda Foreman, this show spotlights celebrated writers including Kaytie Nielsen, Margot Singer, Sejahari Saulter-Villegas, and Amanda Vaill as they explore language, identity, and the quirks of life on both sides of the pond.

November 18:

My Family and Other Tragedies

Joe’s Pub | 7:00 p.m.

We’re closing out the season with family drama—the deadpan, the devastating, and the everything-in-between. Hosted by the inimitable Isaac Mizrahi, this fall finale brings together four brilliant writers, including Glory Edim, Peter Godwin, and Sujata Massey, for an evening of sharp, heartfelt storytelling.

With the dynamic duo Ellen Hagan and David Flores as your quizmasters, expect laughter, catharsis, and twists you won’t see coming.