Looking for thrills and chills during the Halloween season? Check out some of these noteworthy shows on local stages.
PhilharMonster
Oct. 21, Schuster Center
Spooky fun is on the menu as the Dayton Philharmonic presents its annual family concert. Selections include John Williams' "Cantina Band" from "Star Wars, Episode IV" and Aaron Copland's "Simple Gifts." Kids activities in the Wintergarden include crafts, treats, a scavenger hunt, and a costume parade. 3 p.m. Sunday. Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton. $14-$22. Call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit ticketcenterstage.com.
The Wizard of Oz
Oct. 23-25, Schuster Center
Don't discount how scary this show can be! Kalie Kaimann leads this national tour as Dorothy, the role she previously performed for the Children's Theatre of Cincinnati. Emily Perzan portrays the evil Miss Gulch/Wicked Witch of the West. Timeless songs by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg include "Over the Rainbow," "If I Only Had a Brain," and "Ding! Dong! The Witch is Dead." 7 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday. Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton. $26-$81. Call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit ticketcenterstage.com.
Dracula: Bloodlines
Oct. 25-28, Victoria Theatre
Back by popular demand, Dayton Ballet presents its darkly gorgeous production featuring choreography by Karen Russo Burke, music by Austin Jaquith, and costumes by Ray Zupp. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday. Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton. $15-$81. Call (937) 228-3630 or visit ticketcenterstage.com.
The Feast
Oct. 25-28, PNC Arts Annex
Playground Theatre opens its season and the Victoria Theatre Association's PNC Arts Annex with this creepy local premiere comedy by Cory Finley concerning a relationship rocked by mysterious circumstances. 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Second and Ludlow Streets, Dayton. $15-$20. Call (937) 228-3630 or visit ticketcenterstage.com.
Dracula’s Passion
Oct. 26- 28, Actor’s Theatre of Fairborn
An original script by Don Campbell resurrects the legend of Dracula. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. 23 E. Main St., Fairborn. $12.50-$15. Call (937) 878-3353 or visit actorstheatrefairborn.org.
W3
Oct. 26-Nov. 3, Yellow Springs Theater Company
Local playwright Robb Willoughby's original work promises three humorous tales of horror. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. First Presbyterian Church, 314 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs. $12. Visit ystheater.org.
Frankenstein
Oct. 26-Nov. 4, Xenia Area Community Theatre
Mary Shelley's familiar characters return in this celebration of the novel's 200th anniversary concerning scientist Victor Frankenstein and his unorthodox experiment. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. 45 E. Second St., Xenia. $20. Call (937) 372-0516 or visit xeniaact.org.
Clue: The Musical
Through Oct. 28, La Comedia Dinner Theatre
Was it Colonel Mustard? Perhaps Professor Plum with the lead pipe? The audience decides who killed Mr. Boddy in this witty musical comedy. Thursday-Sunday evening performances. Thursday, Friday and Sunday matinees. 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro. $30-$75. Call 1-800-677-9505 or (937) 746-4554 or visit lacomedia.com.
The Phantom of the Festival
October and November, Spaghetti Warehouse
Mayhem and Mystery Interactive Dinner Theatre is back with another hearty whodunit. Mondays and select Fridays. 36 W. Fifth St., Dayton. $29.95 (dinner and show). Call (937) 461-3913 for information on reservations and bookings.
Murder on the Nile
Nov. 2-11, Dayton Playhouse
The Halloween season wouldn't be complete without the great Agatha Christie. In this 1944 murder-mystery, a newlywed couple faces fateful circumstances while honeymooning down the Nile. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton. $18-$20. Call (937) 424-8477 or daytonplayhouse.com.
About the Author