The Island of Dr. Moreau
A shipwreck survivor encounters a crazed scientist in this adaptation of H.G. Wells’ horror novel. Previews Friday through Sunday. Opens Monday. Through Dec. 2. $15-$25. Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. 773-761-4477.
Anna, in the Darkness
Dream Theatre remounts Jeremy Menekseoglu’s thriller about a murderous crowd of townspeople — and its trapped victim. Thursday through Sunday. Through Oct. 31. $10. The Side Project Theatre, 1439 W. Jarvis Ave. 773-552-8616.
The Birds
A dark satire peeks behind the scenes of Hitchcock’s 1963 thriller. Wednesday through Saturday. Through Nov. 17. $15-$25. Hell in a Handbag Productions at Berger Park Coach House, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd. 800-838-3006.
Carpenters’ Halloween
A campy musical set to music by Karen and Richard Carpenter pays homage to the 1978 John Carpenter slasher film “Halloween.” Wednesday and Tuesday. Through Oct. 31. $10. The Scooty & JoJo Show at Hamburger Mary’s, 5400 N. Clark St. 773-784-6969.
Death Masque
A journalist discovers the horrifying truth about a pair of artists known for their gruesome installations. Friday and Saturday. Through Oct. 27. $12. Jonathan Thomas and Hollis Rabin at Gorilla Tango Theatre, 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-598-4549.
Disturbed II
Audience members stand against the walls of a dark room while actors perform a short horror play enhanced with video, sound and special effects. Thursday through Sunday. Through Oct. 31. $7-$9. Oracle Theatre, 3809 N. Broadway. 773-244-2980.
Ghost Stories: Crucible the Musible!
Bewitched maidens swing from trapezes in this historical parody from Aloft Aerial Dance and the Strange Tree Group. Thursday through Sunday. Through Oct. 31. $13. 773-598-8240. The Aloft Loft, 937 N. California Ave.
The Horror
A comic tribute to shocker stories features zombies, vampires, haunted houses, serial killers and lots of onstage gore. BYOB. Wednesday through Saturday. Through Nov. 3. $7-$15. The Cornservatory, 4210 N. Lincoln Ave. 312-409-6435.
Horror Academy
Babes With Blades performs a trio of horror plays by local playwright Darren Callahan. Thursday through Sunday; and Tuesday. Through Nov. 4. $10-$18. North Lakeside Cultural Center, 6219 N. Sheridan Rd. 773-880-0016.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Washington Irving’s classic tale of Ichabod Crane and the headless horseman gets an equestrian update. Friday and Saturday. Through Nov. 11. $14-$28. Noble Horse Theatre, 1410 N. Orleans St. 877-424-7500.
The Rocky Horror Show
Richard O’Brien’s raunchy rock ‘n’ roll musical thriller portrays a creepy crew of Transylvanians and their virginal houseguests. Wednesday through Monday. Open End. $30-$42.50. Mercury Theatre, 3745 N. Southport Ave. 773-325-1700.
Splatter Theatre
Archetypal characters such as the jock, the virgin, the jerk and a nun meet gruesome ends in a parody of “Friday the 13th” movies. Friday and Saturday. Through Nov. 2. $15. The Annoyance Theatre, 4830 N. Broadway. 773-561-4665.
Supernatural Chicago
Neil Tobin’s interactive one-man show explores the city’s allegedly paranormal past. Friday and Saturday. Open End. $25 ticket includes two drinks. Excalibur, 632 N. Dearborn St. 312-266-1944.
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