Eerie-themed plays and musicals, fantastical films, and other festive activities await Chicagoans this Halloween season.
Theater
Manual Cinema uses film, puppetry and music for the ultimate monster mash-up in its production of Frankenstein at the Studebaker Theater (Oct. 25-27). The Mary Shelley classic is adapted by Drew Dir, Sarah Fornace and Julia Miller. “Our Frankenstein adaptation has toured all over the world, from the UK to South America and all over the US — but it’s never looked or sounded better than on the Studebaker stage. We are thrilled to be partnering with the Fine Arts Building and Studebaker Theater to bring Frankenstein back to life for its hometown audience this fall!” says Co-Artistic Director of Manual Cinema Kyle Vegter, who created the show’s original music and sound design with Ben Kauffman.
Kokandy Productions, in partnership with the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, presents Sweeney Todd in Concert (Oct. 19) at Governors State University’s Center for Performing Arts in University Park. The concert staging of Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s macabre masterpiece features Jeff Award winner Kevin Webb and Brittney Brown as well as much of the cast from the company’s original production. Kokandy will also stage Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s classic Into The Woods (through Dec. 22) at the Chopin Studio Theatre.
Music Theater Works will perform Little Shop of Horrors at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie (Oct. 24-Nov. 17). The songs by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken are enhanced with choreography by Reneisha Jenkins and music direction Linda Madonia.
On Oct. 27, Blue Man Group Chicago is staging a special Halloween-themed performance at the Briar Street Theatre. The family-friendly event includes pre-show face painting in the lobby, scary surprises during the show, and holiday goodie bags for all costumed guests under the age of 17.
In partnership with Goodman Theatre and Petterino’s, magician Dennis Watkins will perform “The Spirit Cabinet” (Oct. 30-31), a special Halloween-themed version of his Magic Parlour shows.
Claire Rutkowski, Lauren Miller, Jered Becker, David R. Feiler and Sean Michael Barrett are featured in the bewitching comedy Bell, Book and Candle performed by the Saint Sebastian Players at St. Bonaventure (Oct. 18-Nov. 10). The same-named film from 1958 starring Kim Novak and James Stewart can be streamed for a small fee on Prime Video.
Movies
The humorous horror fantasy Nightbitch (2024) starring Amy Adams will premiere at the Music Box Theatre (Oct. 21). Presented by the Chicago International Film Festival, this special screening includes an in-person Q&A with writer/director Marielle Heller. If that’s not festive enough, Evan Johnson’s scary political satire Rumours (2024) featuring Alicia Vikander, Cate Blanchett, Charles Dance, and Nikki Amuka-Bird opens tonight at the historic venue which is also hosting Music Box of Horrors: The Dream ChildFilm Series through Oct. 31.
On Oct. 25, My Name is Alfred Hitchcock (2024) opens at Glenview’s Landmark At The Glen. The new documentary from Mark Cousins imagines Hitch re-watching his movies which include the classic horror flicks Psycho (1960) and The Birds (1963).
As part of the Auditorium Philms Concert Series, Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) featuring Winona Ryder and Anthony Hopkins will screen at the Auditorium Theatre (Nov. 9). The film’s score by Wojciech Kilar will be performed live by the Chicago Philharmonic, the Chicago Chamber Choir, and solo vocalist Cheryl Wilson. “The Chicago Philharmonic has a proud history of performing Polish classical music” notes Executive Director of Chicago Philharmonic Terell Johnson. “In 2018, on the 100th anniversary of Polish independence, we performed Wojciech Kilar’s awe-inspiring Mass for Peace. It is an honor and thrill to return to Kilar’s music, this time in partnership with the Auditorium.”
Svengoolie will be on hand to host a pre-performance VIP Vampire Experience and Costume Contest. “I have shown various versions of the Dracula story on our show – but presenting this Francis Ford Coppola production will be the ultimate undead experience,” messages Svengoolie via Ouija board. “Not only is it full of amazing visuals and effects – but the added excitement of seeing it with the music of a live orchestra will definitely raise goosebumps – or, is it bat bumps? It’ll be a thrilling night that Chicago horror fans can really sink their teeth into! Come join us, but leave the garlic at home!”
More
Water Tower Place is the temporary home of the Hershey Super Sweet Adventure from Original X Productions and the Hershey Company. Designed for young children and parents willing to pay to enter a candy-themed play space, the venue is more trick than treat. However, perusing the adjacent retail store is free. “Bringing Hershey Super Sweet Adventure to life has been an adventure in its own right, allowing OGX to showcase our unique storytelling capabilities while celebrating truly iconic brands,” says Stacy Moscatelli, CEO of Original X Productions. “Our goal is to create lasting memories that embody Hershey’s commitment to creating heartwarming moments and meaningful connections.”
Now in its 10th year, the Arts in the Dark parade will make its way along State Street, from Lake to Van Buren Streets. The Oct. 19 event treats onlookers to floats, puppets and input from participants such as Art Institute curator Gloria Groom; Artistic Director of Steppenwolf youth theater Hallie Gordon; cultural historian Tim Samuelson Sentrock; jazz vocalists Dee Alexander and Margaret Murphy Webb; performers J. Ivy, Sandra Delgado, and Tyrone Phillips; street artist Sentrock; and tap dancer Bril Barrett. “This year’s Arts in the Dark would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors and partners, including the Chicago Free for All Fund, Chicago Loop Alliance, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and Choose Chicago,” says Sharene Shariatzadeh, President and CEO of LUMA8.
Following the 48th Ward Halloween Parade (Oct. 26), the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Pumpkin Smash at Fire Station 70 on N. Clark St. on Nov. 9.
