Never More Timely
Thursday 16-Saturday 18
You can quoth us: Local performer Alex Nalbach transforms into 19th-century master of the macabre Edgar Allan Poe with his one-man performance, Poe: An Adaptation. This fictional imagining of the horror writer’s life captivates audiences at Pierson Library in Shelburne with a dreamlike journey through the inspiration behind his work, spanning subjects from obsession to terror.
Conjured Cackles
Thursday 16
Fresh from the release of Netflix’s first-ever magic-fueled comedy special, “Magic Lover,” critically acclaimed TV star Justin Willman casts a spell on viewers with his One for the Ages tour at Paramount Theatre in Rutland. Prepare to have your mind blown by the magician’s signature blend of humorous tricks that “must be seen to be disbelieved,” according to culture guide Time Out.
Lights Out
Thursday 16
ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain knows what the people want this spooky season: an immersive evening exploring the darkest corridors of the mind, of course! Costumed guests plunge into the abyss at ECHO After Dark: The Science of Fear in Burlington, an after-hours, adults-only experience featuring creepy-cool offerings, from insect tastings to fear-focused chats with actual neuroscientists.
Tuneful Trifecta
Friday 17 & Saturday 18
Neoclassical trio Sarah Neufeld, Richard Reed Parry & Rebecca Foon win over hearts and ears at the Mill in Westport, N.Y., and the Phoenix in Waterbury. These first-rate Montréal musicians — two of whom are also members of indie-rock group Arcade Fire — first crossed paths in the 1990s and are finally picking up where they left off, with their aptly named debut album, First Sounds.
It’s Aliiiive!
Saturday 18
Rex Ingram’s 1926 silent thriller The Magician delivers classic mad scientist vibes at Brandon Town Hall. Invigorated by a haunting live score played by composer Jeff Rapsis, the precursor to many Frankenstein adaptations follows an alchemist (read: charlatan) on one very questionable quest to create life. Viewers beware: “Blood of a virgin” is No. 1 on the ingredient list.
Ghost With the Most
Ongoing
Glamour and grayscale abound at the Valley Players’ reimagining of Noël Coward’s perfectly paranormal comedy Blithe Spirit in Waitsfield. The haunting and hilarious play about a séance gone wrong gets a vintage Hollywood makeover via stunning black-and-white production elements — even makeup and hair — à la 1940s cinema. This ghost is ready for its closeup!
Life in Plastic
Ongoing
In a seasonal nod, South Burlington Public Library displays Peter Harrigan’s “Halloween Barbies” exhibit all month long. The kooky collection of themed dollhouse dioramas features America’s favorite fashion icon in various ghostly settings — all curated and crafted by Harrigan, who has collected 600 Barbies since 1993.
This article appears in Oct 15-21 2025.
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