Now that we’re all full of pumpkin-spiced everything, my attention starts turning towards Halloween about this time of year. I’ve been noticing a lot of Halloween-related theatre events cropping up this year, so I’ve done a round-up of ten performance-related events you can attend to celebrate the season!
Murder Mime the Musical
Murder Mime the Musical. Photo supplied.
Playing at the ATB Financial Arts Barns October 26 – November 1. “Max Barnicus is a talented opera singer with a bright future until he loses his voice in an unfortunate singing accident. His dreams crushed, he finds himself in a multitude of hapless circumstances involving betrayal, loss, jealousy, heartbreak, and reality TV. Spoiler alert: there is also murder and miming. Murder Mime the Musical is an original work written, composed, and produced right here in Edmonton.”
Rapid Fire
Get your fill of improvised Halloween-related comedy with Rapid Fire’s line up for the October 27 weekend:
- October 27 (7:30 and 10:00): Halloween Theatresports, including an audience costume contest
- October 28: Walk With Me, Rapid Fire’s show diving into the surreal world of David Lynch
- October 28: Chimprov Featuring Murder at Makeout Point – an improvised performance of the best parts from teen slashers.
Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical in Concert
Martin Galba in Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical In Concert. Photo credit: April MacDonald Killins.
The idea of struggling to control one’s own actions, thoughts, feelings and emotions make for the perfect high-stakes emotional story to transform into a musical. On October 27 and 28 only, the music and lyrics of the Broadway musical Jekyll and Hyde will be on centre stage, stripping away the other theatrical elements (think of it as a play reading for a musical). Plus, each performance will feature an audience costume contest at intermission! I’ve got more details in an interview with Director April Killins.
Scared to Death: a Halloween Murder-Mystery Dinner
On October 28 only, enjoy cocktails and dinner with incognito actors, until all hell breaks loose and a murder must be solved.
Dead Centre of Town X
Dead Centre of Town. Featuring Colin Matty. Photo credit Lucas Boutilier.
Get your tickets now, Dead Centre of Town X is almost sold out! Dead Centre of Town returns again to Fort Edmonton Park for the fourth year, this time taking over the 1920 Johnny J Jones Midway. Dead Centre of Town is an immersive, roving horror show telling creepy and ghoulish stories from Edmonton’s history to an audience that moves with the actors around Fort Edmonton Park. Check out my preview with playwright Megan Dart!
Hey Ladies!
Hey Ladies! is always a great time! The October 27 edition may include:
- Edmonton’s newest bakery Sugared & Spiced!
- Acclaimed musician and folk- fest favourite Ben Sures brings the tunes!
- All Hallows’ Eve Games! Win Prizes!
- Terrifying Halloween Entertaining Tips!
- Booze! Potions for your cauldron.
Constellations
For something a little lighter, check out Nick Payne’s Constellations at the Varscona Theatre October 25 – November 11. It promises to be a romantic journey delving into “the difference between choice and destiny.”
If I’ve missed any Halloween-themed theatre shows, let me know at [email protected].