NEWS

Where can you go this Halloween season to be surrounded by hundreds, maybe thousands, of exposed spines and be treated by an eerie musical ensemble to a spine-tingling selection of Halloween-themed classical and Broadway music?

The answer: NEXT Ensemble’s “An Evening with Dr. Frankenstein” at Happy Magpie Book and Quill. The spooky spectacle experience is a one-night-only experience on Saturday, Oct. 26, at the local bookshop. The only thing you truly need to be scared of is missing the event. 

The evening’s freaky festivities, hosted by Maestro of the Macabre Ben Whimpey, feature a fully costumed cast including mezzo-soprano Mandi Barrus, violinist Jose Flores, cellist Lisa Bean, and pianist Debby Cannon. 

The program will include selections from fan favorites such as “Phantom of the Opera” and “Beetlejuice,” plus classics from Saint-Saëns, Schubert, and John Keats. This fright fest will also feature a reading of “Dr. Frankenstein” underscored by Beethoven’s foreboding “Ghost” Trio. 

And if all that is not enough, be bewitched by local Utah composer Anton Baliel’s new piece titled The Raven, inspired by — you guessed it — Edgar Allen Poe’s famous narrative poem of the same name. (Click here to listen)

Don’t miss this ominous operatic experience. Guests are encouraged to dress up for some real musical tricks and treats!

Tickets can be purchased online for $15 at nextensemble.org or at the door for $17. Ages 18 and under are free.

The Happy Magpie and Quill is located at 443 27th St. Ogden, Utah.