While John Astin has starred on stage and screen in such diverse performances as Oliver, West Side Story and European Vacation, he is probably best known for his role as Gomez on TV’s “The Addams Family.” The man of many talents will put yet another face forward this week as he tackles the role of one of America’s literary greats.

Astin will appear in the one-man play Once Upon a Midnight: The Confessions of Edgar Allan Poe at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines in Stoner Studio Theater.

Anyone who has read Poe’s poetry or gruesome short stories will probably find the story of the artist’s life fascinating. The play represents no single, specific time or place, but rather many locales and periods throughout Poe’s life.

And for those who feel inspired after the performance, all are invited to stay after for a moderated discussion of the play. The audience can ask questions, give opinions and meet the man behind the makeup.

Show dates and times are: Tuesday, July 18 at 8 p.m., Wednesday at 1 and 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 7 and 10:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Ticket prices for the shows on Tuesday, Wednesday at 1 p.m. and Saturday at 10:30 p.m. are $15.

The other shows cost $19.50, with half-price tickets available to full-time students on Wednesday and Thursday, July 19 and 20. Tickets may be purchased at the Civic Center Box Office, at Ticketmaster outlets or charge at 233-1888.