Arts & Events

Halloween is coming and that means pumpkins, goblins and this year's Monkey House Halloween Show. Tales from the Varley Mansion. A Musical Comedy for Smart Kids and Strange Adults opens October 18 at Ira Marlowe's legendary "speakeasy for the arts"—a full-service cabaret tucked into a secret location in the 1600 block of University Avenue. If you don't already know where Marlowe's hidden stage is located, the only way you can find out is to reserve a seat online. The experience is highly recommended. 

The Planet praised Marlowe's 2013 Halloween extravaganza, "Haunting School," as "a howling good time! An accomplished one-man show with an admirable mix of pre-recorded, rehearsed, and ad-libbed material...." This time, singer/composer/performer Marlowe has some help. Rounding out the cast are two Mime Troupe vets—Lisa Hori-Garcia as Millicent Varley, a "flamboyant ghost," and Rotimi Agbabiaka as Edward Z., a "soft-hearted zombie." 

(The Mime Troupe mojo is a good match for The Monkey House. Marlowe, who served as the composer/lyricist for the SF Mime Troupe's smash summer show, "Ripple Effect," recently hosted SFMT diva Velina Brown for a memorable evening of songs at The Monkey House.) 

Marlowe anchors this year's spooky tale as a failed-musician-turned-mad-scientist who moves into an empty mansion to build a mysterious "brilliant invention." Naturally (or rather, supernaturally) these plans go awry. In addition to dealing with the living dead and other ghostly leftovers, Marlowe will also have to face The Unknown because—like Haunting School—Tales from the Varley Mansion will be an interactive show. It incorporates members of the audience – the younger members, to be exact. 

As the playbill explains, the co-stars for the night are "a roomful of curious children--your children." So if you've got some tykes who might want to jump at the chance to become part of a live show, this is your chance to "find out what happens when the 'lucky ones' are invited onstage to serve as subjects for a strange and untested device." 

All ages are welcomed but a special invite is extended "to parents of elementary and middle school-aged kids." As Marlowe explains, "while kids will love this show, most of the jokes are aimed at grownups. If you appreciate Tim Burton, Mel Brooks, Rocky Horror, or Herman Munster, you'll love this original musical comedy!" One caveat: "This is a COMEDY, but is still not recommended for kids under six." You might say this show is meant to be "frightfully entertaining." 

The Schedule of Performances 

(Note: Special opening show tickets are only $5. The regular ticket price is $10.) 

October 18: 3 PM, 7:30 PM 

October 19: 3 PM 

October 25: 3 PM, 7:30 PM 

October 26: 3 PM 

reservations@themonkeyhouse.org>Click here to reserve seats. Please indicate which show you wish to attend and the number of people in your party. reservations@themonkeyhouse.org 

For more information, see: http://www.themonkeyhouse.org/MONKEY_HOUSE/VARLEY_MANSION.html 

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