How to go
What: The Greater Hamilton Civic Theater presentation of “The Haunting of Hill House”
When: 8 p.m. Oct. 6-8 and 2 p.m. Oct. 9
Where: Miami University’s Parrish Auditorium, 1601 University Blvd., Hamilton.
Cost: $14 each for groups of at least 20, $15 for children, students and seniors, $16 for adults
Information: (513) 737-7529; www.ghctplay.com
HAMILTON — If Alfred Hitchcock and Stephen King could procreate, their offspring would fear “The Haunting of Hill House.”
Or, at least that’s what those who dare to read the 1959 physiological thriller by Shirley Jackson say.
Or those who watch the 1963 cult classic directed by Robert Wise.
It was this dusty VHS copy that Michael Shawn Starks uncovered while working at a video rental store in 1998.
“I watched it alone in my apartment, cowering under the covers,” said the Fairfield High School graduate. “It’s my absolute favorite horror movie of all time.”
So when the actor of 20 years decided to make his directorial debut, Starks’ choice was eerily easy.
The Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre will present “The Haunting of Hill House” at 8 p.m. Oct. 6 through Oct. 8 and 2 p.m. Oct. 9 at Miami University’s Parrish Auditorium in Hamilton.
The play features seven Greater Cincinnati actors.
In search of scientific proof of paranormal activity, a professor invites guests, with a history of spiritual phenomenon, to spend the summer in a haunted mansion.
The mental decline of the shy, reclusive Eleanor coincides with Hill House’s hauntings — leaving viewers to question reality.
“The key to the work’s success is the simplicity,” said Starks.
“It doesn’t show you anything and what you can imagine is always scarier than what you see.”
“It’s more psychological than slasher,” said Leslie Hedrick of northern Kentucky, who read the novel in preparation to play the lead.
Starks reassures that his version doesn’t stray from the original classic horror.
“Everyone has uncertainties about death — the basic story is universal,” Starks said.
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