An Eerie Look Into the Spooky Shows That Thrill Theatre Audiences Year After Year
by Holden Mattoon
When's the last time you caught a spooky live show? For me, it was Sweeney Todd and the barber shop butcher. I've always thought that theatre shows are one of the best ways to enjoy a scare. The collective anticipation that builds in the crowd during a show is unmatched. It's the communal thrill of a theatre show that keeps me and others coming back for more. So, let's take a walk down (fleet?) street together.
Why Audiences Love Scary Shows
Just like a video game that keeps you engaged for hours, theatre productions can't be paused. Thrilling productions bring you into the moment and don't let you go until the show is done. Theatres build an atmosphere that brings the audience together the tension, lighting, and sound design are carefully put together to bring you into the world on stage.
They're not just spooky shows, annual traditions for many families include frightful theatre experiences that have stood the test of time.
Classic Spooky Showings
Since the first horror play in 1764, “The Castle Of Ontario,” scaring audiences has never gone out of style, making annual returns mandatory. Bringing haunting atmospheres while creepy characters trot the stage, these shows bring a certain charm that other categories can't compete with.
Dracula
A timeless theater thriller that continues to captivate audiences with its charm. Whether an accurate retelling or modern reimagination of the classic, the dark ambiance and eerie tone evoke mystery from start to finish. If you’ve ever read the books you might be surprised by the differences in theater adaptations.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
One of those productions I could watch on loop. Mixing horror and tragedy with dark comedy, it's easy to see why audiences demand annual returns. Since its first debut in 1864, it’s never stopped entertaining.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
A cult classic production that draws audiences year after year. Fans even have checklists of items to bring to showings. If you want the ambience and setting of scary theatre that won’t traumatize the kids, this is an option for you. These shows scare audiences annually with the experience that can only be created in a theater.
Modern Spooky Productions to Watch Out For
While classic productions with modern twists are always fan favorites, if you really want something fresh and frightening, look for these spooky spectacles on stage. A recent movie release has been in headlines for a while now, resurging popularity for the theatrical version.
Wicked
Take a look at the story of Oz from a different angle, filled with dark themes and theatrical wonder. This is sure to be a new cult classic for generations.
Evil Dead
Is a newer play that has critics raving about how it will be a lasting play, while others say “it's the new Rocky Horror” or “IF YOU THINK ‘SWEENEY TODD’ IS FOR SISSIES YOU NEED TO SEE THIS SHOW!” from The New York Times and NY Theater. I would recommend this production if others haven't scared you.
American Psycho
The book and movie are loved by fans like myself, but did you know they made a musical? This thrilling movie takes light on stage in an exceptionally well put together music, lighting, and costume design that takes characters right off the screen and onto the stage. While these modern productions reinvent what scary can be on stage, some shows lean into the spooky without creeping into nightmares with oddball humor and meaningful messages just below the surface. There are many family-friendly favorites that return to prove spooky can be more than scary.
Family Frights Take Light on Stage
My introduction to the wonderful world of theatre was when my Mom brought me to see Hocus Pocus. From all I’ve seen, few productions capture the essence of Halloween, like the thrilling experience of Hocus Pocus. The characters love to interact with the crowd and fill the room with a mysterious aura.
The Addams family
Crammed with family-friendly scares, this might be your new tradition. I remember this spooky family from the TV show you might know from the movies. The Addams Family also brings their oddball humor to the stage. Full of musical numbers and some spooky flair, it's great for all ages.
Little Shop of Horrors
A unique showing that mixes humor and horror in a genre-bending production. It's spooky enough to make annual October returns, but playful so the whole family can come.
Traditions of theatrical thrills.
There are many traditions that come around annually, but none are as thrilling as a horror-themed theater experience. Around the world, theatres open their doors for the scary spirits to take display on stage. Mixing dark atmospheres with eerie set design, there are few experiences that scare so good.
How To Find Spooky Shows Near You
My number one way for finding spooky shows would have to be OTL Seat Fillers. Why? Oh, because the shows could be free for me and three friends. I bet you're wondering how to find spooky shows in your area? You're in luck, this time of year is popular for scares on stage, and local horror festivals return to scare cities countrywide. While looking into local theatres, colleges, and playhouses, you should check their event calendars to find your next scare. Halloween season doesn't lack options for creeps; smaller productions sometimes offer unique performances that you'd never find on a big stage.
Seat Fillers get free tickets to local shows (yes, including spooky nights!) spooky show tickets through OTL Seat Fillers!
Challenge Yourself!
More Spooky (& Non-Spooky) Shows for Things To Do This Halloween
About the Author
Holden Mattoon is a Graphic Design major at North Hennepin Community College with a keen interest in typography.
