Here at Playhouse Square, costumes, sweet treats and things that go bump in the night are just parts of life in theater. Still, we like to get in the Halloween mood by shouting out some theatrical productions that leave us shaking in our boots. From timeless classics to new-age sensations, here are our choices for the best horror musicals of all time.
Death Becomes Her
It only makes sense to kick this list off with the show that just launched its North American tour at our own KeyBank State Theatre. Telling the tale of two lifelong frenemies trying to best one another by any means necessary, Death Becomes Her is a wickedly funny show. The lengths to which Madeline and Helen are willing to go in order to get a leg up on one another always blur the line between horrific and comedic, leaving audience members screaming for more.
Photo by MurphyMade
Little Shop of Horrors
An oldie but a goodie, Little Shop is often seen as the quintessential example of not just a horror musical, but a horror comedy in general. Many would point to the carnivorous plant Audrey II as the most terrifying aspect of the show, but it's the selfish choices of the meek botanist Seymour that give the plant power. If not for Seymour, there would be no threat to the people around him, or even the entire planet. Through his actions, the show becomes a cautionary tale of what can happen when a well-intentioned person allows themselves to be consumed by ambition.
Photo by Michaelah Reynolds
The Lost Boys
The Lost Boys combines some classic horror tropes with a coming-of-age story and ’80s-style rock music. After moving to a new town, troubled teen Michael Emerson encounters a mysterious local band that hides some dark secrets. Throughout the show, Michael and his family grapple with some harsh realities in their personal lives, on top of a growing supernatural threat. You'll have your chance to sink your teeth into this musical in spring 2028 when The Lost Boys launches its national tour at Playhouse Square.
Photo by MurphyMade
Beetlejuice
"Welcome to a show about death." We couldn't have said it better ourselves. Since the ghost with the most recently stopped by as a part of our Broadway in Akron series, this ghastly comedy is still fresh in our minds. The undead characters, monstrous puppetry and haunting scenery all make for a terrifically terrifying show. Beyond that, though, is the heart-wrenching story of a young girl whose life is falling apart after the death of her mother and sees no escape from her struggles.
Photo by MurphyMade
The Rocky Horror Show
A cult classic if there ever was one, Rocky Horror is an over-the-top thrill ride. Young lovers Brad and Janet stumble upon the ominous castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a mad scientist with endless tricks up his sleeve. The show does not hold back the zaniness for a moment, constantly giving audience members new situations to behold. In tribute to this campy classic, the hit number “Time Warp” will play on Playhouse Square marquees before shows as a part of Marquee Moments presented by GE Lighting, a Savant Company.
Photo by Joan Marcus
Heathers
For fears that might hit a little closer to home, Heathers shows how high school can be murder. When 17-year-old nobody Veronica Sawyer falls in with both the school's popular clique and lonely outsider JD, she sees the monsters that lurk in front of her very eyes and wonders if she is becoming one herself. The show does not pull any punches, depicting relatable issues and tragedies for the terrors they truly are. Even though the subject matter is dark, the exploration of its themes keeps viewers engaged throughout the show.
Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
No list of horror musicals would be complete without this one. Though other musicals on this list have plenty of comedy to lighten the mood, Sweeney Todd is dedicated to being dark and dreadful, through and through. The characters make jokes about their actions, but that doesn't make the circumstances any less cruel. After facing a devastating loss, a barber decides nobody is pure and takes it upon himself to remove the filth of London, one blade at a time. For those who dare to see it, Sweeney Todd will be performed by resident company Great Lakes Theater at Playhouse Square from October 23 to November 8.
Photo by Two Bird Studio
No matter the time of year, spooky musicals can give you a good fright while you stay safe in your seat. Whether you like monstrous beasts, unnatural happenings or realistic depictions of cruelty, the theater is the perfect place to send a chill down your spine.