As Halloween approaches, area theaters present tales of the supernatural, from classic frights to monster musicals.
Frankenstein at Falcon Theatre
Based on the Gothic novel by Mary Shelley, this interpretation by Nick Dear follows Victor Frankenstein’s grotesque monster in a desperate journey to find acceptance, becoming increasingly vengeful and murderous against his creator. Warning: The play contains mature sexual content, violence and brief nudity. Sept. 29-Oct. 14. $22 adults; $15 students. Falcon Theatre, 636 Monmouth St., Newport, Ky., falcontheater.net.
Jekyll & Hyde at Footlighters
A musical rendering of Robert Louis Stevenson’s tale of a man torn in two: a genial English doctor who unleashes a violent and destructive alter ego. The horror-drama about the battle between good and evil debuted on Broadway in 1997. Oct. 5-21. $23. Stained Glass Theatre, 802 York St., Newport, Ky., footlighters.org.
Dracula at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
Bram Stoker’s macabre and bloody thriller travels from Transylvania to Victorian London. Adapted by Steven Dietz, the Halloween-themed horror story will feature longtime favorite Giles Davies as the legendary vampire and multi-talented Miranda McGee as his favorite victim. Oct. 13-Nov. 4. $55; $51 senior; $31 student. Otto M. Budig Theater, 1195 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cincyshakes.com.
Young Frankenstein at the Covedale Center for Performing Arts
More funny and less freaky, Mel Brooks’ hilarious, affectionate musical is inspired by the classic horror story. The grandson of Victor Frankenstein inherits his family’s property in Transylvania and, with assistant Igor (eye-gor), plays mad scientist and brings his own creature to life. Oct. 19-Nov. 12. $29 adult; $26 student/senior. Covedale Center for the Performing Arts, 4990 Glenway Ave., Covedale, cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com.
13 Dead Dreams of “Eugene” at Know Theatre
An unsettling, haunting tale by storyteller Paul Strickland and his frequent partner in offbeat songs and stories Erika Kate MacDonald. This one is rooted in shared nightmares that trouble the sleepy town of Sabina, Ohio. Oct. 20-Nov. 14. $25. Know Theatre, 1120 Jackson St., Over-the-Rhine, knowtheatre.com.
The Death of Brian: A Zombie Odyssey at Know Theatre
Listed as the second half of Know’s Halloween Double Bill, this epic tale blends physical theater and radio drama in three episodes. It’s a story about the humanity of a zombie from Ricky Coates, the artist behind the 2016 Fringe’s Tesla ex Machina. Dates TBD. $25. Know Theatre, 1120 Jackson St., Over-the-Rhine, knowtheatre.com.
