Top Halloween-Themed Shows In Denver

The Daily Meal Staff|Oct. 6, 2014 7:00 am EST

(credit: The Bug Theatre)

Halloween is definitely not just one night any longer. Now, it's a month-long celebration of all things spooky with tons of choices to enjoy some creepy forms of entertainment every weekend throughout the month of October. Of course, you'll check out some local haunted houses, and you'll want to have a horror movie marathon or two, but save a couple of days during the month to get out and see a live theatrical Halloween event. From zombies to vampires and even big musicals, there are lots of great ways to get spooked at your local area theater.

"Night of the Living Dead, LIVE! On Stage!"
The Bug Theatre
3654 Navajo St.
Denver, CO 80211
(303) 477-5977
www.bugtheatre.org

Date: Oct. 10 through Nov. 1, 2014

For the sixth year, the Bug Theatre is bringing back its hit adaptation of the classic George Romero zombie flick, "Night of the Living Dead." This unique show is a fun combination of live stage action and filmed segments, bringing a clever twist to the traditional Halloween fare. This irreverent take on the beloved film is filled with lots of comedy, action and plenty of bloody effects, as the seven people trapped in a farmhouse during a zombie attack fight to stay alive. Every year, writer and director Kris Hipps adds new twists and new content to keep things fresh for returning audience members, and it shows, as people flock to the Bug Theatre year after year, many dressed as zombies, to enjoy this seasonal treat.

"Dracula"
Spark Theatre
985 Santa Fe Drive
Denver, CO 80204
(720) 346-7396
www.sparktheater.org

Date: Oct. 10 through Nov. 1, 2014

No Halloween season is complete without at least one staged adaptation of Bram Stoker's "Dracula." Enjoy the dark tale of Count Dracula as he journeys to England to pursue young Mina and Lucy, and fights off Jonathan Harker and Van Helsing. It's one of the best stories to get spooked for the Halloween season. Plus, a visit to Spark Theatre is perfect for such an intense show, as you are never more than a few inches from the actors themselves. It's one of Denver's most intimate theater spaces with less than 60 seats available per night, so you'll want to get your tickets early to enjoy this Halloween treat. Just don't walk home alone afterwards; you may start hearing things in the shadows.

"The Rocky Horror Show"
Longmont Theatre
513 Main St.
Longmont, CO 80502
(303) 772-5200
www.longmonttheatre.org

Date: Oct. 17-25, 2014

You may be familiar with the film, and you've possibly even seen a shadowcast of the film, in which actors play out scenes in front of the screen while the film is going. However, if you've never seen the actual musical, then this is a must-see. The zany story of the innocent Brad and Janet who find themselves in a dark and mysterious castle along with Dr. Frank N Furter, his creation Rocky and a bizarre house staff is perfect for Halloween. All of the great songs are there and you'll be doing the Time Warp all the way home from Longmont. In tradition with this show, there will be audience participation packets available to purchase at the theatre and a costume contest for the late-night shows.

"Three Tales of Poe"
Chautauqua Park
900 Baseline Road
Boulder, CO 80302
(303) 442-3282
www.co-.theatre-hikes.org

Date: Now through Oct. 26, 2014

If you want something a little different for your Halloween entertainment, check out Colorado Theatre Hikes and its production of "Three Tales of Poe." You'll enjoy "The Tell Tale Heart," "The Fall of the House of Usher" and "The Raven" all while you take a moderate hike between each performance. Colorado Theatre Hikes brings the art of theater to the beauty of nature, and you start by gathering at a central meeting point. You are then led to the first spot, take a seat to enjoy the first tale and then walk to the next performance location. Plus, during October, you'll be in the middle of changing leaves and that great crisp fall smell that you only get in Colorado. So mix a little fitness in with your theatre and try a visit to Colorado Theatre Hikes.

"Into the Woods"
Ignite Theatre Company
9900 E. Colfax Ave.
Aurora, CO 80010
(720) 362-2697
www.ignitetheatre.com

Date: Oct. 17 through Nov. 9, 2014

Stephen Sondheim's brilliant musical about what happens after "happily ever after" may not seem like traditional Halloween fare, but it's just dark and edgy enough to satisfy your spooky cravings. "Into the Woods" combines all of your favorite fairy tales as a baker and his wife have to complete several tasks as assigned by the witch so they can bear children. They meet Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, The Wolf and many more well-known characters. It's during the second act where things get really dark, as this really isn't a musical for children but for the children at heart that grew up enjoying these beloved stories.

Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.