10-26-2007
Halloween Shows 2007
The Birds
Hell in a Handbag’s celebrated deconstruction, penned by David Cerda and Pauline Pang, of Hitchcock’s feathered nightmare. Through Nov. 17 at Berger Park coach house, 6205 N. Sheridan, Wed-Sat 7:30 p.m. Tickets $15-$25 at 800/838-3006.
Carpenters’ Halloween
This offering from “The Scooty and JoJo Show” pays tribute to soft-rock siblings Richard and Karen Carpenter (and if you’re making skeleton jokes right now, shame on you!) Through Oct. 31 at Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark, Tue-Wed 8 p.m. Tickets $10, reservations available at scootyjojo@yahoo.com
Disturbed II
Oracle Productions reprises their version of a haunted house, “for mature audiences only,” created and directed by Colby Hanik. Shows are nightly every 30 minutes from 8-11:30 p.m. through Oct. 31 at Oracle Productions, 3809 N. Broadway. Tickets $7 at 773/244-2980 or at oracletheatre.org.
Ghost Stories: Crucible the Musible!
Local maestra of the macabre Emily Schwartz and her Strange Tree Group team up with Aloft Aerial Dance, showing all the funny bits about witch hunts that Arthur Miller left out. Through Oct. 31 at Aloft Loft, 937 N. California, nightly 8 p.m. Tickets $13 at 773/598-8240 or at www.strangetree.org.
Ghost Watch
Richard Engling’s play, based on his own haunting experience (see main story), is presented by Polarity Ensemble Theatre. Nov. 2-25 at Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox, Thu-Sat 8 p.m, Sun 3 p.m. Tickets $15-$20 ($30 opening night) at 773/282-7035 or www.petheatre.com.
The Horror
Corn Productions stages a Grand Guignol thriller by Don Bapst. Through Nov. 3 at Cornservatory, 4210 N. Lincoln, Wed-Sat 8 p.m. Tickets $7-$15 at 312/409-6435.
Horror Academy
Babes With Blades unveil Darren Callahan’s homage to vampires, cannibals, zombies, and women who kick ass. Through Nov. 4 at North Lakeside Cultural Center, 6219 N. Sheridan, Tue-Sun 8 p.m. Tickets $15-$18 at 773/880-0016.
The Madness of Edgar Allen Poe
First Folio Shakespeare Festival reprises their hit environmental staging, adapted by David Rice from Poe’s life and work. Through Oct. 28 at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook, Wed-Sat 8 p.m, Sun 3 and 8 p.m. Tickets $21-$26 at 630/986-8067 or www.firstfolio.org.
The Magic Cabaret
David Parr and P.T. Murphy extend their off-night parlor magic hit (see main story). Through Dec. 18 at Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln, Tues 8 p.m. Tickets $15-$20 at 773/871-3000.
The Magician
The late Ingmar Bergman’s tale of mystery, magic, and erotic attraction comes alive with National Pastime and Clock Productions. Through Dec. 15 at National Pastime Theater, 4139 N. Broadway, Thu-Sat 8 p.m, Sun 3 p.m. Tickets $25 at 773/327-7077.
pHrenz-O-Ween
pH Productions offers a holiday-themed improv show. Oct. 27 at Stage Left Theatre, 3408 N. Sheffield, 11 p.m. Tickets $10 at 773/732-5450 or at www.whatisph.com.
Questfest 2007
Quest Theatre Ensemble offers a day-long celebration of puppetry, percussion, and dance, focusing on the more spiritual aspects of the holiday. Oct. 28 at Quest Resident Space, 1609 W. Gregory, 11:30 a.m - 6 p.m. Free. Call 312/458-0895 or www.questensemble.org.
The Rocky Horror Show
Do the Time Warp again. Steve Hiltebrand directs the stage musical by Richard O’Brien that spawned the definitive cult classic film. Through Dec. 2 at Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport, Mon and Wed 7:30 p.m, Fri 11 p.m, Sat 4 and 11 p.m, and Sun 7:30 p.m. Special show Tue, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $30-$42.50 ($5 off for anyone in costume Oct. 29-31) at 773/325-1700.
Splatter Theatre
The show that birthed the Annoyance returns. Through Nov. 4 at Annoyance Productions, 4830 N. Broadway, Fri-Sat 10:31 p.m (also Mon-Tue Oct. 30-31 10:31 p.m). Tickets $13 at 773/561-4665 or www.theannoyance.com.
Spukt
Nothing is more terrifying than those who ignore the lessons of history, as Dave Buchen’s black historical comedy for Theater Oobleck proves (see main story). Nov 9-Dec 22 at Viaduct Theater, 3111 N. Western, Thu-Sat 8 p.m. Tickets $12, “more if you’ve got it, free if you’re broke” at 773/347-1041 or www.theateroobleck.com.
Supernatural Chicago
Neil Tobin’s long-running hit continues (see main story), and he brings back “The Houdini Seance” for Oct. 27 at Excalibur, 632 N. Dearborn, 7:30 p.m. The show resumes its regular performance schedule (Fri 7:30 p.m) after Halloween. Tickets $25 (incl. two drinks) at 312/266-1944 or www.supernaturalchicago.com.