Welcome to ESU Happy Hour! The ESU has planned a series of programs to connect and reach out to our members through programs that are engaging, fun, and informative on a wide variety of topics. Happy Hour programs bring to you guest speakers live and free of charge.  Speakers may also suggest a unique cocktail for you to create and enjoy at home. These programs are designed so ESU members and guests can learn and interact with our outstanding speakers. Many speakers will provide exciting participation opportunities with fun give away books and products at the end of each program.

We invite members to suggest topics for future ESU Happy Hour Programs at this link. Cheers!

Co-Authors Dr. Robin Werner and her colleague, Dr. Elizabeth Lewis, will discuss their book titled Vampire Literature: An Anthology. Specifically, they will talk about the anthology’s inspiration and the challenges of the creation process. 

Vampire Literature: An Anthology is the first anthology designed specifically to introduce students and general readers to the history, theory, and cultural impact of the literary vampire. With coverage from the early nineteenth century to the twenty-first, Vampire Literature: An Anthology brings together a wide range of texts from many eras and collects work by American, British, Irish, and Caribbean writers. The focus is on shorter prose texts, primarily short stories and novellas; in a few cases, longer works are excerpted. A range of illustrations, from political cartoons to film stills, is also included.

Don’t miss this discussion on an often-misunderstood genre of literature by highly acclaimed authors who bring considerable research into the topic. This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Atlanta Branch. 

The name D’Oyly Carte is recognized throughout the world because of Richard D’Oyly Carte’s partnership with Gilbert and Sullivan, which produced fourteen famous comic operas during the last quarter of the 19th Century such as H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates of  Penzance, and The Mikado.

Richard D’Oyly Carte (1844-1901) was one of the greatest impresarios of his age as well as a shrewd businessman who realized the potential of Gilbert and Sullivan’s work and worked closely with them to produce and promote their operas. The company became renowned for its high-quality productions featuring talented singers, musicians, and actors. It was the success of these operas that paved the way for D’Oyly Carte’s other achievements—building his own theatres and establishing a chain of luxury hotels that included The Savoy Hotel, Claridge’s and The Berkeley in London.

A gripping new book by author James Stebbings sheds new light on the untold story of the D’Oyly Carte family – and the tragic loss of two heirs that ultimately led to the dynasty’s downfall. ‘The Lost Heirs – The Rise and Fall of the D’Oyly Carte Dynasty’, tells the story of Lucas and Michael D’Oyly Carte, the son and grandson of the legendary theatrical impresario and hotelier, Richard D’Oyly Carte.

Richard D’Oyly Carte’s empire spanned both the worlds of theatre and luxury hotels. Yet, the story of two of his heirs, Lucas and Michael, has long been overlooked – until now. James Stebbings delves into the lives of these two young men who were destined to carry on the family legacy, but whose untimely deaths sent shockwaves through the D’Oyly Carte family.

Today, the legacy of the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company lives on through recordings, revivals and adaptations of the works of Gilbert and Sullivan, which continue to be loved by audiences around the world.

James Stebbings’ presentation is coming to ESU audiences from his hometown in Norfolk County, England. His talk is illustrated with rare photographs and images. If you are a fan of Gilbert and Sullivan, a theatre history enthusiast, or anyone intrigued by the dramatic rise and fall of one of Britain’s most celebrated dynasties, this Happy Hour is for you, sponsored by the ESU Central Pennsylvania Branch.