Not hip to the trick-or-treat crowd but still hungry for Halloween eye candy? The holiday’s approaching; get in the mood now with thrilling theater. From necromancers to ghoulish dancers, find out which devilish (and downright dangerous) shows rate highly with readers.
The Great and Terrible Wizard of Oz
7 p.m. Sundays; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. Through Nov. 5. $10-$19. The Viaduct, 3111 N. Western Ave. 773-251-2195.
This pop-mythology take on Frank L. Baum’s classic tale by Phillip C. Klapperich (“The Terrible Tragedy of Peter Pan”) fuses original music, dance, magic and shadow play with traditional theater. The tale, presented by House Theater of Chicago, explores the transition of Dorothy Gale from Kansas farm girl to bloody-booted witch-slayer.
What readers say: “Show starts out slow but picks up nicely. Puts a little different spin on the story. The Viaduct needs to work on climate control, as it was a little too warm.” –Chris
Daredevils
8 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 13; 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays through Oct. 29. $10-$15; pay-what-you-can Thursdays. The Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. 773-275-5255.
This Neo-Futurists stunt show explores themes of personal decision making and the nature of risk by combining stories and performances involving tight wires, ramps, broken glass and related props.
What readers say: “Ever wondered about being a daredevil? Ever wonder why anyone would have ever been? Then this show is for you. Very intriguing and thoughtful performance. Risking their own lives to show how others in the past have done the same. Huge fun in a small space. I just hope none of them breaks their necks!”
–Justin H.
Hack/Slash Stagefright!
10:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Through Oct. 29. $10-$15. National Pastime Theater, 4139 N. Broadway. 773-989-4515
The lone survivor of a horror-movie massacre hunts down the killer in this multimedia fright fest from the New Millennium Theatre Company. Expect fight scenes, scantily clad coeds, gore and digitally projected backdrops from the “Hack/Slash” comic books.
What readers say: “This show was awesome! Campy, clever, dark, funny and bloody: It’s really a good time. It’s chock-full of fighting, attitude and bikini-clad women. It’s a total tribute to ’80s slasher flicks. I’m glad I checked it out.” –Kate
Macabaret
10:30 p.m. Saturdays; 6:30 p.m. Sundays; additional show 8 p.m. Oct. 31. $18-$20. Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. 773-327-5252.
This “corpse de cabaret” from Porchlight Music Theatre features wickedly morbid songs and parodies of murderous spouses, horror films, evil cows, supermodels, the Andrews sisters and OJ Simpson.
What readers say: “This show is tremendous fun! It’s the perfect Halloween show. There’s lots of great singing, some fantastic dancing and an awesome design. It is very fast-paced, and the songs are a lot of fun. Go see it! My favorite songs were ‘Zombie-riffic’, ‘R.I.P.’ and ‘Medium.’ ” –Cynthia M.
Supernatural Chicago
8 p.m. Fridays; special “Houdini Seance” Oct. 28; additional show 11 p.m. Oct. 29. Open run. $25; includes two drinks. Advance purchase recommended: supernaturalchicago.com. Excalibur, 632 N. Dearborn St. 312-266-1944.
Explore Chicago’s alleged paranormal past during this interactive, one-man show starring necromancer Neil Tobin. The hourlong performance takes place in the building noted by A&E’s “Sightings” as one of the city’s most haunted.
What readers say: “This is a great time! I love the supernatural, and Chicago is just so rich in history and ghosts. My husband and I were looking for something new to do, and the more paranormal the better. . . . In a fraction of the time of a ghost tour, you are thoroughly entertained and creeped out. Neil Tobin really tries to get everyone involved and is an engaging performer. The entire show is great, but the finale will have you wondering what the heck just happened and how. It stays with you for a while.”
–Laura S.
