In the mood for something new this Halloween?
QED Astoria serves frighteningly funny comedy, a cat-themed burlesque show, and an astounding (even fleeting) sing-along.
Head to the spooky speakeasy at 27-16 23rd Ave. on Thursday, Oct. 26, for Catbaret! Meowloween! at 9 pm.
Gemma Smith, a feline-friendly actress, hosts this unique night of cat-themed hilariousness, music, and something called “purr-lesque” with help from Matt Koff (comedy), Susie Dahl (burlesque), Rory Scholl (comedy), Vivi Bruneau (vocals), and Pussy Leigh (burlesque). Yes, Pussy Leigh.
General admission is $20, and attendees receive free cat ears. Of course, mouser, tabby, and Siamese costumes are encouraged … and Garfield is expected to be there.
Things get even more chilling at QED Astoria on Sunday, Oct. 29.
Ghost Tales From Queens is at 3 pm. Marie Carter presents an illustrated lecture on local ghosts, haunted forts, buried treasure, tragic film stars, and specters of Queens cemeteries. Carter, who grew up in Scotland (talk about scary!), leads the “Haunting Histories and Legends of Astoria” tour with Boroughs of the Dead. She’s also expert on witches in pre-19th century NYC and a multi-published author of unearthly tales.
Admission is $15.
Then at 5 pm, Creepy Classics begins. Professional actors and voiceover artists, including Eric Kirchberger and Christian Finnegan, will read horror stories by Edgar Allen Poe, Ray Bradbury, Neil Richard Gaiman, and other masters of the ghouly genre.
Tickets cost $10, and costumes are welcome. Children with guardians are invited…at their own risk.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show closes the night with the doors opening at 7 pm. The 1975 cult film — which launched Susan Sarandon’s career and introduced the world to Doctor Frank-N-Furter — will screen while actors from Broadway Bods lead a singalong with lots of audience participation…or else.
Admission is $12, and costumes are most definitely encouraged. Popcorn, hot food, and prizes are on the menu.
QED Astoria is a 1,200-square-foot arts space with a bar and showroom along with a bookshop, rehearsal space, and recording studio. The name is an abbreviation of “Quod Erat Demonstrandum,” which is Latin for “That Which Has Demonstrated.”
Images: QED Astoria