Through Halloween and the spooky season, the performing arts come alive with all things supernatural. From haunted productions to ballet performances inspired by ghostly tales, Halloween has found its place across different mediums of artistic expression. Here’s how this eerie season takes center stage in the performing arts and beyond.
1. Musical Theater: Spooky Songs and Siren Calls
If you’re hunting the hallows for local scares this Halloween, look no further than Jobsite’s Gorey Stories, an award-winning neo-gothic cabaret unlike anything you’ve seen! Adapted straight from the pen of Edward Gorey, Gorey Stories is running now in the Shimberg Playhouse until Nov. 17. The production weaves together stories and characters from many of Gorey’s ghastly works to create the perfect moodsetter this Halloween.
Another musical that gets the October spotlight is The Phantom of the Opera. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary production is beckoning to play during the Halloween season. The ghostly presence of the masked Phantom lurking in the Paris opera house lends a gothic, mysterious charm to the production. Who wouldn’t get chills during “The Music of the Night” under the eerie glow of that infamous chandelier?
Of course, no discussion of Halloween musicals would be complete without Little Shop of Horrors. A story about a man-eating plant? Perfectly fitting! The mix of comedy and creepy, all backed by 1960s doo-wop songs creates a weirdly delightful atmosphere that keeps audiences rolling in their graves with cringe.
2. Dance: Ghostly Ballets and Boogies
While the ballet world might be more associated with tutus and pointe shoes, it has proven itself well to showcase the darker side of storytelling come October. One chilling ballet that rises from the dead is Adolphe Adam’s Giselle. The tragic tale of a young woman who dies of heartbreak and returns as a vengeful spirit is both haunting and beautiful. The ghostly Wilis in their flowing white gowns and chilling precision as they dance in the moonlit forest make for a mesmerizing, eerie experience. This mid-19th century staple offers a more subtly haunting showcase of the spooky season, without the usual blood, gore or screaming teenager.
For a more whimsical take, there’s Dracula. Yes, apparently Bram Stroker’s blood-sucking monster can land a pretty solid pirouette. With its dark and dramatic choreography, this ballet adaptation of the horror classic spins a web of seduction, fear and undead romance.
And who can forget Michael Jackson’s Thriller music video, which has become an iconic fusion of pop culture and dance? Though it’s not a traditional stage performance, flash mobs and live renditions of Thriller seem to pop up everywhere in October. The zombie dance oozes with infectious rhythm and ghoulish energy. You’re surely bound to see it in the club on Halloween night.
3. Opera: Ghostly Melancholic Melodies
The opera stage offers some chilling tales perfect for Halloween. One of the spookiest is The Turn of the Screw, based on Henry James’ novella. Set in an eerie gothic mansion with apparitions and spirits alike, the nail-biting tension keeps the audience on edge. With haunting melodies and a deep regard for chilling atmosphere, this opera has cemented itself as a staple for Halloween programming.
Mozart’s Don Giovanni concludes with a visit from a ghostly statue none other than the Commendatore, whom the libertine Don Giovanni murdered earlier in the opera. Talk about skeletons in the closet! Supernatural secrets unravel when the statue comes to life and drags Don Giovanni to hell in a thrilling and unforgettable conclusion, perfect for those seeking a musical macabre.
4. Plays: Classic Horror on Stage
For those that prefer their spooks without the songs, we cannot forget the many stage plays that dive into the darker corners of the human psyche. The Woman in Black is a standout in this regard. This ghost story, about a lawyer who encounters a malevolent spirit in a remote English town, continues to terrify audiences for decades. The sparse stage and eerie sound design make it a masterclass in atmospheric horror, where the fear comes from what you can’t see as much as from what you can.
Similarly, Dracula often finds its way to the stage during Halloween, as does Frankenstein. These plays, adapted from novels, solidify the timeless appeal of classic horror. The challenge of bringing these monstrous characters to life in a live setting gives the performances an extra edge. Witnessing classic horror figures without the shield of the movie screen opens the door for all kinds of spooks and theatrical thrills.
Final Curtain Call
The spooky season will always be deeply cherished and celebrated within the performing arts. As we approach November and the end to eeriness, carry out your ghostly business by celebrating with us and Jobsite’s Gorey Stories. Be the cool neighbor and hand out the full size candy bars. Don a costume even if you’re not a big dress-up person. Keep an eye out for man-eating plants. Enamor yourself with a pirouetting vampire. And, above all, please be safe this Halloween season!