October is here, which means it’s time for pumpkin picking, corn-maze navigating and visiting haunted houses all over the city.
As you’re putting together your list of Halloween themed activities, don’t forget to visit your neighborhood theater. There are spooky shows being staged from storefronts to Equity playhouses, and if you’re wondering which shows to check out, we’ve got you covered.
Our list includes first time playwrights depicting dystopian futures, a Southern Gothic ghost story and a few surprise picks, like a bloody puppet show and spooky dance party thrown by a dance company.
Here’s our list of creepy shows you should see this month for a theatrical scare.
Paranormal Activity
Where: Chicago Shakespeare Theater
When: Through Nov. 2
This show, making its North American premiere, is the brainchild of Red Orchid ensemble member Levi Holloway, and Felix Barrett, artistic director of Punchdrunk, an immersive theater in the United Kingdom. They both have impressive chops in staging scary shows for live audiences: Holloway’s play “Grey House” made it from Red Orchid to Broadway. Barrett’s immersive show “Sleep No More” had a 14-year run in New York. Together, they are bringing the famous found-footage film franchise to the stage, with a fresh story centering a married couple in a haunted house. Read more here.
If you go: 800 E Grand Ave., tickets from: $49
Veal
Where: A Red Orchid Theatre
When: Through Nov. 9
If you are into creepy theater, this world premiere is for you. First-time playwright Jojo Jones has crafted a story around a dystopian future where a young bullied middle schooler has grown up and become Queen of North America — reminiscent of what would happen if “Mean Girls” met a slasher flick. In the show, a group of the Queen’s former friends from middle school show up in her throne room asking for a favor. From there, the audience is taken on a wild ride down a memory lane that includes bloodshed. Read my review here.
If you go: 1531 N. Wells St., tickets from $50
Oak
Where: Raven Theatre
When: Through Nov. 9
This Chicago premiere, penned by the award-winning Chicago-based writer Terry Guest, feels like a ghost story. It features a mysterious monster, a shot-gun wielding old woman and an urban legend — themes that all come together under the direction of award-winning playwright Terry Guest. In a world where kids get snatched and disappear when outside of the home past 7 p.m., a group of curious kids seek to find out if the legend is real.
If you go: 6157 N. Clark St., tickets from $45
Rooted
Where: Bramble Arts Loft
When: Through Nov. 2
This world premiere centers a trio of BIPOC modern-day witches faced with losing their ancestral home. Scripted by Chicago-based writer Ben F. Locke, and starring Stephanie Shum (last seen in Rivendell Theatre’s “Gorgeous”), this show brings a magical twist to a queer comedy about sisterhood.
If you go: 5545 N. Clark St 2nd Floor., tickets from $20
House of the Exquisite Corpse V: Blood & Puppets, presented by Rough House
Where: Steppenwolf Merle Reskin Space
When: Through Nov. 1
Rough House is back for its fifth installment of “House of Exquisite Corpses.” The show offers a change of pace from traditional theater — it’s an immersive horror puppet show. Six teams of artists create exhibits themed on blood and puppets that are designed to make your blood boil. It’s a fun twist on puppet theater and haunted houses.
If you go: 1624 N. Halsted, tickets from $21
The Haunting of Hill House
Where: St. Bonaventure
When: Oct. 17 – Nov. 9
Adapted by F. Andrew Leslie from the gothic horror novel by Shirley Jackson, this show arrives just in time for Halloween. An investigator of the supernatural, along with three guests, arrive at Hill House, disturbing the piece. What ensues is sinister and haunting. The show stars Tony DiPisa (Jeff-nominated “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”) and is directed by Jack Dugan Carpenter.
If you go: 1625 W. Diversey Parkway., tickets from $30
Gaslight (Angel Street)
Where: Oil Lamp Theater
When: Through Nov. 2
What begins as flickering lights and missing items becomes a chilling game of manipulation and control in this suspenseful play by novelist Patrick Hamilton. Secrets lurk and mystery ensues in this classic tale that plants the seeds for the term “gaslighting.”
If you go: 1723 Glenview Rd, Glenview, IL., tickets from $55
The Monster Ball
Where: Hairpin Arts Center
When: October 18
This Halloween costume party is part glam, part spooky, and all fun. There will be a costume contest, a lip-synch showdown, live performances and plenty of dancing. Hosted by dance company Symbiosis Arts, there will also be a sneak preview of the company’s new show choreographed by Braeden Barnes. It’s not exactly theater, but it’s a fun night out and support the arts.
If you go: 2810 N. Milwaukee Ave., tickets from $30
Mike Davis is a theater reporter who covers stages across Chicago.