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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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, Daniel Jones, 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. Co-hosted by Ava Chin and Alison Davis Curry.

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, 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.

May 12:

Safeguarding the Irreplaceable

Joe’s Pub | 7:00 p.m.

In collaboration with the World Monuments Fund, the theme “Safeguarding the Irreplaceable” invites us to examine what we protect, what we neglect, and why it matters. Imagine indelible connections and inherited heirlooms, endangered archives and vanishing traditions—and what happens if we let them slip away. Featuring André Aciman and Caroline Weber, our performers will come bearing elegies, manifestos, and love letters to the almost-lost. Co-hosted by Amanda Foreman and Bénédicte de Montlaur.

June 9:

We the People

Joe’s Pub | 7:00 p.m.

Three words, two hundred and fifty years of argument. Kicking off our celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the theme “We the People” —presented in collaboration with the Library of America—reflects on this milestone, our communities, and our complicated country. Think founding myths, landmark victories, and stories of what it means to keep fighting for the promise of those three words. Co-hosted by Jon Avlon and Max Rudin.