Most Halloween productions are playful spoofs of worn out movie monsters. Although campy shows are a blast, there is nothing quite like getting creeped out by a diabolically bone-chilling play.
It is an immense challenge for a playwright to generate true fear within the audience. These monstrous masterpieces rise to the occasion.
Dracula
There are many watered-down stage adaptations of Brom Stoker's vampire epic. However, Hamilton Deane and John L. Balderston's version remains true to the original novel.Frankenstein
A mixture of tragedy, horror, and science-fiction, Mary Shelley's amazing novel inspired scores of stage productions. I'm still waiting for the perfect adaptation, but so far Alden Nowlan's script nearly hits the mark.Sweeney Todd
What's more terrifying than a mad barber trying to kill you? Try a murderously mad barber who bursts into song! This Stephen Sondheim operetta combines a beautiful score with a bloody razor blade and the result is a haunting theatrical experience.Macbeth
This classic play has every element of horror: Witches, dark premonitions, murder, a psychopathic wife. Shakespeare created something so terrifying; thespians won't even say the name of "the Scottish play" while inside the theater!The Woman in Black
For those who want to venture into the realm of truly frightful theatre, this supernatural tale is a must see. Originally performed in England during the late 1980s, it has since been produced by daring theatre companies across Europe and North America.Many critics have proclaim that The Woman in Black is certain to frighten audiences. I wouldn't know. I was too scared to buy a ticket!
