As Halloween approaches, theaters in your neighborhood and a short drive away are embracing the season with a well-rounded offering of spooky classics and intriguing new productions. Many companies are adding audience interaction or immersive environments to really up the excitement. Revisit an old favorite or try something new!
Franklin County:
Saturday, 10/24, 4 p.m.: “Jonathan Burns: Life of the Party” at Totem Pole Playhouse (Family friendly) Tickets $33-$44.
Blending comedy, physical theater and jaw-dropping juggling, Jonathan Burns delivers a wildly entertaining show that feels part vaudeville, part stand-up comedy and part circus. A favorite at comedy festivals, cruise ships and performing arts centers around the world, Burns is known for his unique style which turns everyday objects — and sometimes unsuspecting audience members — into part of the act, creating a show that is spontaneous, unpredictable and laugh-out-loud funny.
Thursday, 10/29 – Saturday, 10/31: “The Rocky Horror Show” presented by Chambersburg Community Theater (Parental discretion: Bawdy humor & language) Tickets $20-$25
When straight-laced Brad and Janet break down outside a mysterious mansion they have no idea how twisted their night is about to get. Richard O’Brien’s play was immortalized in the sci-fi cult classic film, but you can experience it in its original form with this full stage version performed at The Capitol Theatre. The audience is encouraged to sing along and make it an interactive show to remember. Prop bags will be for sale to use at the Friday & Saturday 8 p.m. shows ONLY for a little extra fun. Outside props are not permitted. Things can get rowdy with the audience involvement, so parents should use their discretion when deciding to bring children.
Thursday, 11/5 – Saturday, 11/7: Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” presented by Shippensburg Area Senior High Drama Club (Family friendly) Tickets $8- $10
Given the name, November may seem an odd time for this classic play, but “Midsummer” is full of fairies and magic. Two sets of young lovers hide out in the woods while a local community theatre group tries desperately to pull a play together. When the mortals disrupt the feuding king and queen of the fairies, tricks and spells wreak hilarious havoc. Presented in the SASHS Auditorium, you can enjoy the show and support our next generation of theater artists.
Saturday, 11/7 2 & 7 p.m.: “Toby: A Tribute to Toby Keith” at Totem Pole Playhouse (Family Friendly) Tickets $45-$56
Fronted by dynamic performer Hollywood Yates, this high-energy show pays tribute to 30 years of Toby Keith’s signature American sound, featuring the songs that defined a generation of country fans. With powerful vocals, high energy and plenty of personality, “Toby: A Toby Keith Tribute Concert” is a night of great country music and unforgettable entertainment.
Washington County:
Friday, 10/23 – Saturday, 10/31: “The Feeding Ground–A Haunted House Experience” presented by Authentic Community Theatre (Parental discretion for horror and scares) Tickets $15-$20
ACT offers the ultimate immersive experience with this haunted house walk through their black box space. A royal vampire family has ruled from the shadows for centuries, concealing a gruesome secret that keeps an isolated community under their control. Guests can choose general admission or pay a slight premium to get to the front of the line. Prior to your visit, you can sink your fangs into charcuterie or enjoy a themed cocktail. Scares start with first group at 7 p.m. and the last group at 11 p.m. Your ticket purchase allows you to check in at any time during the event.
Friday, 10/30, 6 p.m. & Sunday, 11/1, 1 p.m: “Dracula” presented by The Washington County Playhouse Dinner Theatre (Parental discretion: scary themes) Tickets $67 *discounts available for children and active military/first responders.
Bram Stoker’s masterpiece that defined the vampire genre is re-imagined for the stage in a way that’s sure to send shivers down your spine. Audiences can enjoy themed cocktails with their provided dinner and will be served by members of the cast, making this a night out to remember. Tickets include the show, a buffet dinner and non-alcoholic drinks.
Friday, 10/30 11 p.m. & Saturday, 10/31, 8 p.m.: “The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Movie with Shadow Cast” presented by The Potomac Playmakers (18+, under 18 must be accompanied by an adult) Tickets $20
Watching the movie version of Rocky while a live cast performs has become a pop culture rite of passage. Playmakers add a hefty dose of burlesque to their ‘act along’ and the result is sure to make you ‘shiver with antici…………….PATION!’ Things can get wild so leave your inhibitions at the door. Goody bags will be sold for $3 cash at the show and the audience is encouraged to come in costume. A tutorial on audience interaction will be provided for first timers.
Worth the Drive
Frederick:
Thursday, 10/22 – Saturday, 10/31: “The Canterville Ghost” presented by Endangered Species Theatre Project (Family friendly) Tickets ‘Pay What You Will”
With performances at 4 and 7 p.m., this wickedly witty and comedically spooky comedy of manners by Oscar Wilde is fun for the whole family. When a no-nonsense American family buys a haunted English manor, the ghost in question finds terrorizing them harder than anticipated. With a running time of under an hour and a ‘pay what you will’ pricing scheme, the show is a perfect day out. Most performances are at the historic ESP Loft. Guests should note that space is on the second floor with no elevator available. The final performance on 10/31 offers ease of access at the Frederick Senior Center. The Thurs. 10/22 show is at Hidden Hills Vineyard for a bit of added scenic beauty.
Friday & Saturday, 10/23-10/31, 8:30 p.m.: “Comedy Night: Themed Improv” presented by The Maryland Ensemble Theatre (Parental discretion for adult language) Tickets $17
Join the MET’s improv troupes like Comedy Pigs and Key City Improv, for a variety of side-splitting themed evening sessions. Fans of ‘Whose Line is it Anyway,’ ‘Dropout’ and satirical takes on classics by Edgar Allan Poe will find shenanigans they can enjoy. Since it’s improv, anything can happen (and probably will!)
Saturday, 10/24, 7:30 p.m.: “TOAST – A Tribute to Bread” presented at The Weinberg Center for the Arts (Family friendly) Tickets $35-$65
Over their career, the band ‘Bread’ scored 13 hits on Billboard’s Top 100. This live tribute band is often described as “spot on” to the original recordings. TOAST will take you on a journey back in time, engaging a spectrum of emotions; from the tender moments that tug on the heartstrings to the upbeat classics that compel you to jump out of your seat and dance.
Saturday, 10/24, 6 p.m. & Sunday, 10/25, 4 p.m., ”Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein” – presented by Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre (Parental discretion: bawdy humor) Tickets $75 (discounts available for children, and active military/first responders.)
The stage version of this classic Mel Brooks movie adds catchy and hilarious music to the familiar story line of a young Frederick Frankenstein (It’s pronounced “Fronk-en-steen”!) inheriting his grandfather’s estate in Transylvania. If you like your monster stories with a side of laughter, this tongue-in-cheek take is sure to tickle your funny bone. Tickets include the show, a buffet dinner and non-alcoholic drinks. The show includes the use of double entendres and bawdy humor so parental discretion is advised.
Thursday, 10/29 – Saturday, 10/31: ”Planet Claire” presented by Maryland Ensemble Theatre (Parental discretion)
This Sci-Fi Go-go musical features songs by The B-52’s, book by Tad Janes, with additional material by Gené Fouché & Tim King. MET developed this original musical in partnership with Theatre FCC. Claire, a waitress, is longing for something of importance in her life. After her job takes a turn for the worse, Claire finds herself in the midst of a car wreck and is transported to another planet where she is greeted by aliens who look as if they are members of the B-52s. And then it gets a little weird! Performances are held at Frederick Community College in the JBK Theatre (Building F) at 7:30 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee on 10/31.
Sunday 11/1 – Sunday 11/8: ”Welcome to Quarantino” presented by Unstrung Harpist (Parental discretion)
Welcome to Quarantino’s is a brand-new, riotous musical comedy set in the heart of the pandemic. A failing local dive bar and its inept staff navigate their final day before it closes as a COVID casualty, all while dealing with overwrought regulars, oversexed bartenders and an overzealous health inspector. Irreverent, ridiculous and with a lot of heart, W2Q’s will have you laughing, humming and reminiscing about a time that seems both immeasurably distant and like it just happened yesterday.
West Virginia:
Saturday & Sunday, 10/24-11/1, 1 p.m.: “Hokey Pokey Magic Show” presented by Wonderment Puppets (Children encouraged) Tickets $7.50 cash or check only
Join the Puppeteers of Wonderment Theatre for a joyful display of magic and fun. Each show ends with a dance party and the venue includes a whimsical art gallery so you can make the most of your visit.
Friday, 10/23,- Sunday, 10/25, “Clue,” presented by The American Public University (Family friendly) Tickets $17- $24
Onstage at The Old Opera House, it’s a dark and stormy night. A cast of oddball characters has been invited to a very unusual dinner party. Each of the guests has an alias, the butler offers a variety of weapons, and the host is, well, dead. So, whodunit? Based on the cult classic film and the popular board game, Clue is a madcap comedy that will keep you guessing until the final twist. Friday & Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Sunday matinee, 2:30 p.m.
Gettysburg:
Saturday, 10/24, 7 p.m.: ”Improv Show” – at the Gettysburg Community Theatre (Parental discretion advised) Tickets $10
Join the fun as local improv artists take audience suggestions and make hilarious theatre magic. Hi Jinks will ensue, so consider making it a night out for the grown ups.
