Ranking 11 Spooky Broadway Shows

by Rachel Wagner, Guest Editorial

October is always a fun time full of spooks and chills and those themes extend into our local theaters and playhouses. While I’ve seen all kinds of productions in the month I thought it would be fun to rank what I call “October Shows” and these are the plays or musicals that most try and emulate the spirit of the season and give a little haunted Halloween joy to the audiences.

To keep the list manageable I decided to eliminate fairytale stories like Into the Woods or Wizard of Oz which technically have wicked witches. I also am only talking about shows I’ve seen and that are available to produce for regional theatre at this time so no Hadestown or Beetlejuice. Also this is just my ranking and I’d love to see yours so please share! All that said, let’s get started:

11. Sleepy Hollow- (music by Tom Edward Clark, book and lyrics by Jim Christian) I hate to be too tough on a show from local talent but I did not enjoy this production much at all. The music is uninspired and bland, the book takes everything very seriously so there’s little fun to be had and it all felt tedious and frustrating. 

10. Dial M for Murder- (play by Frederick Knott) I know this is a classic mystery for many but I was underwhelmed (my review for UTBA here). The main problem is the action doesn’t really get started until the 2nd act when we finally get introduced to the engaging Inspector Hubbard. Still, I found the clues to be underwhelming and the characters outside of Hubbard to be one-note. It’s a dull mystery if you ask me.

9. Young Frankenstein- (book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, music and lyrics by Brooks) The rest going forward on this list I enjoyed including Young Frankenstein. It has all the jokes from the classic film so it can’t help but be funny. I particularly loved the role of Elizabeth and her songs “Deep Love” and “Please Don’t Touch Me.” However, this show is way too long. They did not need to include every scene from the movie. The first act is 90 minutes alone and I grew weary of it after a while. It also makes it a mammoth of a production for any theatre to try and put on. If there was ever a show that needs a ruthless edit this is it. 

8. The Addams Family- (book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa) I know this show has received many revisions over the years but it has become a favorite of regional theater and I can see why. Its bubbly songs and family messaging make it an easy sale. Especially if you get a good Morticia and Gomez, with chemistry, it’s a good time. However, the book is uneven with some uninspired subplots and side-characters. I particularly dislike the long “Full Disclosure” segment that ends the first Act. But aside from that it’s fun. 

7. Arsenic and Old Lace- (play by Joseph Kesselring) I’ve seen Arsenic and Old Lace many times over the years and it’s always a hoot. The juxtaposition of these sweet old ladies that are murderers is funny and Mortimer’s increasing panic as he uncovers their crimes is hilarious. However, I don’t think the Jonathan/Dr Einstein plot is as effective or humorous but it’s still a classic for a reason. 

6. A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder- (music by Steven Lutvak, lyrics by Lutvak and Robert L Freedman and book by Freedman) I do have to say the quality of this musical depends entirely if you get a good performer playing all of the D’Ysquith Family. The songs are mostly forgettable but every time I’ve seen it I have had a great D’Ysquith actor and it’s been a riot. It is a long show but I don’t feel it as much as Young Frankenstein although both could use a good edit (I sometimes wonder if this show would be better as just a play and not a musical at all?)

5. The Rocky Horror Show- (music, lyrics and book by Richard O’Brien) I finally had the chance to see this cult classic this year and it was super fun. I love how interactive the show is with traditions that have been adapted over time and been brought over from the movie. The story is simple but it’s all about the bawdy, silly songs and the freedom of expression the narrative encourages. It’s a blast.

4. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street- (music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by Hugh Wheeler) In this clever show Sondheim manages to find sympathy and humanity in the most bizarre and ghastly of characters and create some beautiful songs like “Joanna” and “Not While I’m Around.” I do think the production design and staging heavily influences the impact of this one and some theaters get a little carried away with the intricacies of the barbershop setup, which can be distracting. 

3. Macbeth (play by William Shakespeare) It feels almost unfair to include Macbeth on this list but it does have witches in it! A perfectly calibrated drama that builds the tension with its characters so well that I am invested every step towards the madness its characters embark on. 

2. The 39 Steps- (play by Patrick Barlow) We always like a twist in the theatre and this is what you get with The 39 Steps. With its cast of 4 playing dozens of characters parodying the mystery noir genres it never stops going and is consistently funny throughout. I’ve seen it many times and the scene on the train has always been a highlight. 

1. Wait Until Dark- (play by Frederick Knott) One of the best examples of a true thriller on stage. It’s a simple story but creates tension well and hopefully your theater can create an effective mood by getting things as dark as possible (most recently when I saw it the theater even darked out the exit signs.) The iconic jump scare works and we feel totally invested in Suzy and her journey. 

So there you have it. My ranking of the October shows! What do you think of this ranking? I would love to hear your lists and what are your favorite musicals and plays to watch during this time of year. Happy hauntings!