October is right here, which suggests it’s time for pumpkin choosing, corn-maze navigating and visiting haunted homes everywhere in the metropolis.
As you’re placing collectively your checklist of Halloween themed actions, don’t neglect to go to your neighborhood theater. There are spooky reveals being staged from storefronts to Fairness playhouses, and when you’re questioning which reveals to take a look at, we’ve received you lined.
Our checklist contains first time playwrights depicting dystopian futures, a Southern Gothic ghost story and some shock picks, like a bloody puppet present and spooky dance occasion thrown by a dance firm.
Right here’s our checklist of creepy reveals it is best to see this month for a theatrical scare.
Paranormal Exercise
The place: Chicago Shakespeare Theater
When: By means of Nov. 2
This present, making its North American premiere, is the brainchild of Purple Orchid ensemble member Levi Holloway, and Felix Barrett, creative director of Punchdrunk, an immersive theater in the UK. They each have spectacular chops in staging scary reveals for dwell audiences: Holloway’s play “Gray Home” made it from Purple Orchid to Broadway. Barrett’s immersive present “Sleep No Extra” had a 14-year run in New York. Collectively, they’re bringing the well-known found-footage movie franchise to the stage, with a recent story centering a married couple in a haunted home. Learn extra right here.
If you happen to go: 800 E Grand Ave., tickets from: $49
Veal
The place: A Purple Orchid Theatre
When: By means of Nov. 9
In case you are into creepy theater, this world premiere is for you. First-time playwright Jojo Jones has crafted a narrative round a dystopian future the place a younger bullied center schooler has grown up and turn into Queen of North America — harking back to what would occur if “Imply Ladies” met a slasher flick. Within the present, a gaggle of the Queen’s former associates from center college present up in her throne room asking for a favor. From there, the viewers is taken on a wild trip down a reminiscence lane that features bloodshed. Learn my assessment right here.
If you happen to go: 1531 N. Wells St., tickets from $50
Oak
The place: Raven Theatre
When: By means of Nov. 9
This Chicago premiere, penned by the award-winning Chicago-based author Terry Visitor, seems like a ghost story. It encompasses a mysterious monster, a shot-gun wielding outdated girl and an city legend — themes that every one come collectively beneath the route of award-winning playwright Terry Visitor. In a world the place youngsters get snatched and disappear when exterior of the house previous 7 p.m., a gaggle of curious youngsters search to seek out out if the legend is actual.
If you happen to go: 6157 N. Clark St., tickets from $45
Rooted
The place: Bramble Arts Loft
When: By means of Nov. 2
This world premiere facilities a trio of BIPOC modern-day witches confronted with dropping their ancestral residence. Scripted by Chicago-based author Ben F. Locke, and starring Stephanie Shum (final seen in Rivendell Theatre’s “Attractive”), this present brings a magical twist to a queer comedy about sisterhood.
If you happen to go: 5545 N. Clark St 2nd Ground., tickets from $20
Home of the Beautiful Corpse V: Blood & Puppets, introduced by Tough Home
The place: Steppenwolf Merle Reskin House
When: By means of Nov. 1
Tough Home is again for its fifth installment of “Home of Beautiful Corpses.” The present presents a change of tempo from conventional theater — it’s an immersive horror puppet present. Six groups of artists create reveals themed on blood and puppets which might be designed to make your blood boil. It’s a enjoyable twist on puppet theater and haunted homes.
If you happen to go: 1624 N. Halsted, tickets from $21
The Haunting of Hill Home
The place: St. Bonaventure
When: Oct. 17 – Nov. 9
Tailored by F. Andrew Leslie from the gothic horror novel by Shirley Jackson, this present arrives simply in time for Halloween. An investigator of the supernatural, together with three company, arrive at Hill Home, disturbing the piece. What ensues is sinister and haunting. The present stars Tony DiPisa (Jeff-nominated “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”) and is directed by Jack Dugan Carpenter.
If you happen to go: 1625 W. Diversey Parkway., tickets from $30
Gaslight (Angel Road)
The place: Oil Lamp Theater
When: By means of Nov. 2
What begins as flickering lights and lacking objects turns into a chilling sport of manipulation and management on this suspenseful play by novelist Patrick Hamilton. Secrets and techniques lurk and thriller ensues on this traditional story that vegetation the seeds for the time period “gaslighting.”
If you happen to go: 1723 Glenview Rd, Glenview, IL., tickets from $55
The Monster Ball
The place: Hairpin Arts Heart
When: October 18
This Halloween costume occasion is an element glam, half spooky, and all enjoyable. There shall be a fancy dress contest, a lip-synch showdown, dwell performances and loads of dancing. Hosted by dance firm Symbiosis Arts, there will even be a sneak preview of the corporate’s new present choreographed by Braeden Barnes. It’s not precisely theater, however it’s a enjoyable night time out and help the humanities.
If you happen to go: 2810 N. Milwaukee Ave., tickets from $30
Mike Davis is a theater reporter who covers phases throughout Chicago.
