Have a good scare
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Sage Merritt / News Virginian
Published: October 24, 2007
If you're searching for a spooky celebration in the coming days, the local area will offer up a plethora of ways to enjoy the holiday, no matter what your tastes or interests.
If you're looking for a theatrical thrill
Spooky productions perfect for the Halloween season are being staged by several area groups.
Opening this Friday at ShenanArts' Stage 4 Theatre, "Jekyll and Hyde" will interpret Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale of good and evil in a gothic-rock musical perfect for adults and older children.
"It's definitely a thriller," said Colton Berry, starring as both Jekyll and Hyde in the production. "You're on the edge of your seat. You're never bored - it keeps you engaged. The music itself is kind of in contrast to what you would expect for this story, but it's beautiful. It's one of the best-written musical scores I've come across. We have some of the best vocal talents in the Shenandoah Valley in this show. That's a definite highlight."
Co-starring with Berry are area theater veteran Andrea Saunders and newcomer Hanna Walters.
"Andrea is brilliant, and she has already learned everything, even though she came on at the last minute," Berry said. "This is definitely a completely different role than she's ever played before. It should be really surprising and entertaining for the audience."
ShenanArts' production provides a spin on the usual treatment of "Jekyll and Hyde."
"We took the time period and we stripped it out of the show," Berry said. "The themes in the show are kind of about examining human nature and human thought, so we made the show a little abstract. We took the time period out so that the audience can connect with the theme in the show instead of looking at frilly costumes and trying to decipher heavy English accents. It's a modern twist on a story you're used to."
"Jekyll and Hyde" will run Oct. 26-28 and Nov. 2-4, with Friday and Saturday shows at 7:30 p.m. and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday. Tickets are available at the Bookstack and You're a Star! in Staunton, as well as Shear Dimensions Salon and Day Spa and the Daily Grind in Waynesboro. Tickets are also available from the Stage 4 Box Office at 248-1868. Due to some mature content, this show is appropriate for children in sixth grade or older.
For more spooky theater, the Ampersand Arts production of "Night of the Living Dead" will be in its final weekend at Oak Grove Theater on Route 612 near Verona, starting on Thursday and running through Sunday. All shows start at 8 p.m., with seating available at 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and wear warm clothing. This performance is not recommended for children under 16. Tickets are available at the door.
If spooky nightlife is your style
Several hotspots will celebrate Halloween with music and costume contests this weekend and on the 31st.
Clocktower Tavern in downtown Staunton, Mossy Creek in Fishersville and Sidelines in Waynesboro will all host nights of costumes, dancing and music this Saturday evening. The Clocktower's Halloween bash will feature music from area favorite Big Boots as well as an '80s-themed costume contest, starting at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door and can be purchased at Clocktower Tavern. Mossy Creek will host the Goodsons for their Halloween costume party. Sidelines Caf- in Waynesboro will host live music and a Halloween costume contest with the band Deep Blue Jones. The costume contest prizes are $100 for first prize and $50 for second prize.
On Oct. 31, Baja Bean in downtown Staunton will rock Halloween with the Findells. Costumes are encouraged and prizes will be awarded. The celebration starts at 10 p.m.; there will be a $5 cover.
If you're into cult classics and quirky fun
The Dixie Theater in downtown Staunton will host a midnight showing of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" this Saturday night, with doors opening at 11:30 p.m. and pre-show beginning at 11:45 p.m.
Originally released in 1975, the film stars Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick. A well-known cult classic and beloved Halloween film tradition around the world, a midnight showing of "Rocky Horror" is a zany mix of audience participation, music, dancing and costumes.
"I own the movie and have memorized it, but I've never gone to a live showing of it," said Lauren Mignogno, house manager of the Dixie Theater. "I mentioned the idea to one of the owners, and he actually was receptive. All the owners agreed that we should go ahead and try it."
This is the first showing of "Rocky Horror" in Staunton for a number of years, and Mignogno hopes that the Dixie will have a full house for the cult classic's return to the Queen City.
"We'll do a little bit of explaining during the pre-show for anyone who hasn't done this before," Mignogno said. "For those who don't know about this: Come, but be prepared. Expect the audience to be screaming things at the screen, with or at the characters."
Costumes are strongly encouraged, along with any props that won't create a mess (no toast, no water guns, no open flame and no confetti, said Mignogno). This is not a children's event; attendees will be carded and no one under 17 will be allowed without a parent. Tickets will be $5 at the door.
If you're searching for kid-friendly activities
Both Staunton and Waynesboro will hold trick-or-treating events in their respective downtowns, and numerous area organizations will also hold fall-themed celebrations.
Activities in downtown Staunton will take place on Saturday morning, with children's art activities beginning at 9 a.m. in front of the Children's Art Network in the Wharf. Trick-or-treating will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, with downtown businesses opening their doors to families and handing out candy to costumed children. Waynesboro's downtown trick-or-treating event will be held on Halloween, Oct. 31, with more details available as the event approaches. Contact Waynesboro Downtown Development Inc. at 942-6705 for more information.
The Augusta Nursing and Rehab Center will host its Annual Fall Festival, themed "Come Follow the Yellow Brick Road," on Saturday from 2-4 p.m. for children ages 12 and under. Costumes are encouraged, but nothing too spooky. Bring a container for treats.
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