DARK LIGHT
Jagged Night Theatre’s horror play comes with an upfront warning that will either scare you away or draw you in: “Please note that this show contains explicit language, stage blood, staged violence, and gruesome or scary images. Not recommended for children or people with heart conditions.” Still reading? Then you’ve probably got the intestinal fortitude to witness the strange tale of Emily and her little brother Tim — whose trip to the circus is cut short by a costumed psychopath. When Emily wakes to find herself imprisoned in an abandoned facility, she discovers a group of strangers who are being used as test subjects in a twisted experiment. To escape, and find her missing brother, Emily must navigate the underground prison while confronting a shocking revelation about her dark past.
Fri., Oct. 21-Mon., Oct. 31, at 7:30pm; Sat., Oct. 22, Fri., Oct. 28 and Sat., Oct. 29 at 7:30pm and 10pm. At The Zoo Theater at Triskelion Arts (118 North 11th St., 3rd Floor, Brooklyn; btw. Berry St. and Wythe Ave.). For $16 tickets, visit brownpapertickets.com (use promo code DARK9286) or call 800-838-3006. Visit jaggednightheatre.com
DRAGONS OF ZYNTH
Move over, Kiss and Gwar — there’s a new band poised to perform a Halloween gig in full costume. Known for their discordant guitar tones, elastic vocals and fractured rhythms, Dragons of Zynth counts former costumed freakazoid David Bowie among their fans — as well as TV on the Radio’s David Sitek (who produced their debut album, “Coronation Thieves”). The Dragons are: twin brothers Aku (vocals, keyboards) and Akwetey (vocals, guitar) as well as J. Bizza (drums) and FonLin (bass). This gig at 92YTribeca’s mainstage venue will feature new songs from their forthcoming sophomore album.
Sat., Oct. 29. Doors open at 8pm, show starts at 9pm show. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 day of. At 92YTribeca (200 Hudson St.). For info, visit 92YTribeca.org or call 212-601-1000.
STEAMPUNK HAUNTED HOUSE: THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
Zombies, chainsaw-wielding maniacs and bloodsucking children of the night have nothing on the lasting trauma to be had from a trip in Wonderland. For its third annual production, Steampunk Haunted House mines the psychodrama of Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice stories. Audience members are admitted in small groups, suddenly separated, and thrust into a beautiful and terrifying dreamscape of elegance and clockwork horrors. The experience sprawls throughout the twisting hallways, looming balconies and labyrinthine cellars of Abrons Arts Center’s century-old Playhouse.
From Oct. 22-31. Tickets are sold in 15-minute intervals, and the experience lasts roughly 20 minutes. Arrive 30 minutes before the time slot you purchase. Advance purchase is recommended. All walk-up sales are first-come, first served. Online sales end two hours before the first haunted house tour of the evening. Student tickets will only be sold at the door as walk-up sales. No children under 8 admitted. Times and prices vary according to date. Special Tours on Oct. 26 (8:15-8:45pm), with Benefit Halloween Party ($50). For reservations and ticketing info, visit steampunkhauntedhouse.com. At Abrons Arts Center (466 Grand St., at Pitt St.).
GUTTERDRUNK: THE POE REVISIONS
The Hyper Aware Theater Company’s new work takes you deep into the dark, hallucinatory mind of horror genre giant Edgar Allen Poe. Hopefully, you’ll find a way back into the land of sanity (unlike that unlucky fellow who crossed paths with the author’s infamous raven). “GUTTERDRUNK: The Poe Revisions” unites seven international playwrights whose original works reimagine some of Poe’s most (in)famous stories and poems — including “The Tell Tale Heart” and “Annabel Lee.” Adding to the jeepers creepers factor: “GUTTERDRUNK” will be presented (rain or shine) on the grounds, and in the basement, of the historic John Street Church. Audience members will illuminate the action with flashlights — revealing characters who’ve been buried alive, bricked behind walls, smothered and stabbed — until only a rattled and wasted Poe remains.
Thurs., Oct. 20 through Sat., Oct. 22 at 8pm; Thurs., Sat. and Sun. (Oct. 27, 29, 30) at 8pm. At John Street Church (44 John St., at Nassau St.). For tickets ($18), call 800-838-3006 or visit brownpapertickets.com. Also visit hyperawaretheater.blogspot.com.
THE PINK ROOM: FIRE WALK WITH ME
Are you old enough to remember how young you were when “Twin Peaks” was torturing you with the mystery of who killed Laura Palmer? The rather horrifying thought that it’s been 21 years since VCRs were all aflutter in an attempt to ferret out the meaning of dancing midgets and buried lockets is what makes the return of burlesque performer Franny Fluffer’s monthly David Lynch tribute (“The Pink Room”) as sweet as a slice of cherry pie and a cup of damn good coffee. “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me Burlesque.” You’ll think you’ve time traveled back to 1990, when you witness some of the Pink Room regulars dolled up as sexy sirens from the hit TV show — displaying the dark and adult nature of the R-rated prequel to the show (“Fire Walk With Me”). Hosted by Schaffer the Darklord, with performances by Amelia Bareparts, Apathy Angel, Franny Fluffer, Gemini Rising, Nasty Canasta, Tansy Tan Dora and Victoria Privates; go-go by Satanica. Specialty cocktails will be served all night. You’ll need them.
Tues., Oct. 25, 9:30pm, at The Parkside Lounge (317 E. Houston St., at Attorney). Tickets are $10 in advance (brownpaperticket.com) and $15 at the door. 21+, 2-drink minimum. Visit parksidelounge.net and frannyfluffer.com.
Unearthed by Scott Stiffler
