Scary stuff between now and Oct 31
COMPILED BY SCOTT STIFFLER
For more Halloween events, go to www.villager.com and search for “So much to do, it’s scary.”
THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER
Edgar Allan Poe came into this world in 1809 and left it in 1849 — but his macabre tales refuse to die. This Halloween, Pluto Unleashed Productions will celebrate Poe’s creepy legacy with a theatrical exploration of one of his best-known short stories (adapted by Matt Connolly and directed by John Zurek). “The Fall of the House of Usher” concerns a spooky old house, a brother mourning his dead (?) sister, and various creepy goings-on as experience by a narrator whose curiosity soon proves ill-advised. FREE (donations accepted). Oct. 31, 7 p.m. at Le Petit Versailles (346 E. Houston St. at Ave. C). For info, call 212-529-8815 or visit www.petitversailles@earthlink.net.
TNC ANNUAL HALLOWEEN COSTUME BALL
While other once-hip neighborhoods lurch towards respectability, it’s nice to know that vast parts of the East Village still delight in flying their freak flag high and proud all year long. But once a year, Theater for the New City throws a Halloween bash where even the locals seem to cross the line separating eccentric from insane. It’s here that you’ll find the most imaginative, outrageous Halloween costumes in town. Join in the fun as you do some ballroom dancing, vie for prizes, sink your fangs into Halloween delicacies and fall under the enchanted spell of freakishly talented local art stars as they perform for your viewing pleasure.
Outside, bluegrass and jazz bands mingle with jugglers, fire-eaters and storyweavers. The fresh air entertainment is capped by “The Red and Black Masque” — an annual Medieval ritual show performed by torchlight. Inside, vampire Richard Weber awakens from his undead slumber to serve drinks at the Champagne Bar. The annual 12-category costume judging begins at midnight with the “Monsters and Miracles Costume Parade” (during which revelers are invited to march past a panel of celebrity judges).
Oct. 31, at 155 First Ave. (at E. 10th St. & the block of E. 10th St. btw.1st and 2nd Aves.). Outdoor entertainment from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. (doors open at 7:30 p.m.). At the Ball, costume or formal wear required. To order tickets ($20), and for more info, call 212-254-1109 or visit www.theaterforthenewcity.net.
BOO(ZY): AN EVENING OF STORYTELLING AND SPIRITS
Does the drinking of spirits give one the ability to more effectively channel the spirit world? Keep telling yourself that, buddy. At least nobody at this event will debate that wonderful new excuse for being a little blotto while enjoying the legitimate theater! “Boo(zy)” features stories by five Chicago-based writers as performed by five NYC actors. Each one of their stories will be paired with a drink that “best embodies” the theme. Oct. 28 and 29, 9 p.m. at the DR2 Theatre (103 E. 15th St.). For tickets ($18, $15 for students/seniors), call 212-868-4444 or visit www.smarttix.com. Specialty cocktails are $4-$8. No drink minimum. Drinks will be allowed in the theater.
MIKE DAISEY: BARRING THE UNFORRSEEN
Storyteller Mike Daisey’s ultra-seasonal monologue delves into the reasons why we tell ghost stories — by telling ghost stories! Along the way, the graveyard-fresh ground covered by Daisey includes nuggets from the history of spiritualism, dirt on the tortured life of H.P. Lovecraft as well as more than one Maine ghost story. Nightly at 8 p.m. Oct. 26 through Oct. 31, at IRT (154 Christopher St., #3B). For info and tickets ($25), visit www.brownpapertickets.com or purchase at the door one hour before curtain. Also visit www.irttheater.org or www.mikedaisey.com.
STEAMPUNK HAUNTED HOUSE: BEAUTIFUL DREAMER
Immerse yourself in a neo-Victorian experience that’s more about terrifying dreamscapes and elegant horrors than temp workers dressed like blood-soaked zombies. This edition of the Steampunk haunted house has the theme “Beautiful Dreamer.” Audiences will wander the premises until one by one, they find themselves alone. From that point on, you’re on your own. Will you be able to figure out how to navigate the twisting hallways, looming balconies and labyrinthine cellars? We hope so, because every manner of mechanical apparitions, wraithlike sleepwalkers and powered beasts will be trying to prevent your escape. Children under 8 won’t be admitted. It would probably damage them for life. Oct. 29 & 30, 8-11:30 p.m. and Oct. 28 & 31, 6-9:30 p.m. at Abrons Arts Center of Henry Street Settlement (466 Grand St. at Pitt St.). Prices vary according to date (and student status). For info and to purchase tickets, visit www.steampunkhauntedhouse.com.
KID-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES
HALLOWEEN KIDZ KARNIVAL
Those feisty rebels from Friends of Hudson River Park are the mad minds behind this family-friendly event — whose frightening spelling errors are enough to turn a prim schoolmarm white as a ghost. The activities and attractions you’ll find at “Halloween Kidz Karnival” include face painting, mask decorating, wax hands, cotton candy and rides. The Striking Viking Story Pirates will perform Halloween-themed improv shows throughout the day (most activities are for the 3-12 set). Some activities are free and select activities will cost $2. Oct. 31, 12pm to 6pm, at Pier 86 (at 46th St., at Charles St., in Hudson River Park). BONUS ACTIVITY: Visitors who come in costume to the Intrepid Air and Space Museum on Halloween will receive 50% off general admission to the Museum Complex’s “spooktacular” Hauntings on the Hudson Halloween Festival. For more info on the Karnival, visit www.fohrp.org
20th ANNUAL CHILDREN’S HALLOWEEN PARADE
It was already a tradition ages ago. But this time around, the annual Greenwich Village Children’s Halloween Parade celebrates its 20th year. As always, costumed children (ages 3-12) and families will march around Washington Square Park — then enjoy candy, face painting and rides. The NYC-based children’s band Jeremy Plays Guitar will perform, followed by entertainment from NYU music groups, cheerleaders and dance teams. Oct. 31. The parade starts at 1:15 p.m. (marchers start gathering at 1 p.m., and the festivities end at 4 p.m.). The parade assembles along Washington Square North, near the Arch — and ends at LaGuardia between Washington Square South and W. 3rd St. (where various activities await the children).
LOWER EAST SIDE KIDS TRICK OR TREATING TOUR
City Food Tours is sponsoring this excursion that dispenses fantastic treats that aren’t usually dropped in your bag by the neighbors. Curious? Of course you are. That sweet tooth will be tamed with creamy cupcakes, gourmet donuts, birthday cake cannoli, yummy cookies and good old-fashioned candy. This 1-hour walking tour is for kids 5 through 12 — in costume — who are accompanied by an adult. Oct. 31, at 12 p.m. The price is just one penny per kid, and $35 for adults. For more info, visit www.cityfoodtours.com/newyork or call 212-535-TOUR.
FEAR: R.L. STINE & FRIENDS
Before there was J.K. Rowling, there was R.L. Stine — whose “Goosebumps” series of books have inspired a generation’s worth of sleepless nights. Meet the author (along with fellow creepy lit authors Jennifer Allison and Ryan Brown) when they appear (out of thin air) to promote the release of “Fear: 13 Stories of Suspense and Horror.” Stine edited the anthology, and all three authors contributed a story. Each of them will read their contribution, and all will be available to take questions from the audience and sign copies of their books. This event is appropriately frightening — and appropriate for ages 12 and up. Free. Thurs., Oct. 28, 5-7 p.m. at Books of Wonder (18 W. 18th St.) For more info, call 212-989-3270 or visit www.booksofwonder.com.
HALLOWEEN HI-JINKS ON THE HIGH LINE
This Halloween celebration for families comes with a warning: Watch out for the giant spider that’s taken over the High Line! Even as you read these words, a group of mad scientists and schoolchildren from P.S. 3, P.S. 11 and P.S. 33 are working to create a 12-foot long spider puppet made of recycled materials. That gruesome creature will be installed in the rafters of the Chelsea Market Passage just in time for the Friends of the High Line Halloween event (a free party at which families can decorate spooky animal masks and dance to bluegrass music by the Cleek Schrey and the High Line Dance Band). Coming in costume is encouraged! Oct. 31, 1-4 p.m. at the Chelsea Market Passage (on the High Line, at W. 16th St.).
HalloWHOA!
Manhattan Youth and the Story Pirates present this silly and scary interactive haunted house. The 30-minute show (with special performances for both adults and kids under 5) will frighten and amuse, as you explore a world of secret passages and mind-bending puzzles. The audience will determine such plot points as whether the Wolfman howls at the moon or pours everyone tea and tells a story! Through Oct. 31, at the Manhattan Youth Downtown Community Center (120 Warren St.). General admission is $40, with special packages available at $60 & $100. For tickets, visit www.hallowhoa.com or call 347-8-STORY-8.
