Halloween-themed Short Plays 'ShelterSkelter XIV' Return To Shelterbelt Theatre 10/8-31

In 1996, the folks at the Shelterbelt Theatre came up with the idea of putting together a Halloween-themed presentation of original short plays, which they called ShelterSkelter. The show was a hit, and this year, ShelterSkelter returns for installment number 14 with 10 original short plays dealing with horror, murder, mystery, and the macabre.

Regarding this year's ShelterSkelter production, Executive Director Craig Bond said, "There's a great mix of subject matter this year. We have several scripts that are very dark and dramatic, some typical horror movie-style plays, and several that are absolutely hilarious. It's not for little kids, but everyone else will definitely enjoy themselves."

The number of plays presents some challenges. "We have five directors and 10 actors doing 10 plays," Bond said. "It makes for a very interesting rehearsal process. Luckily, we have a devoted group of folks working very hard to make this a great show. We are also happy to have some directors and actors new to the Shelterbelt as well as a loyal group of ShelterSkelter veterans."

Production staff includes directors Adam Nathan, Demian Ryder, Derrick Crawford, Gary Planck, and Jonathan Wilhoft; stage manager JoAnn Goodhew; lighting designer Tom Reardon; sound designer Dave Podendorf; set designer Adam Nathan; costumer Megan Whitaker; and booth operator Dan Baye.

Cast includes Deb Gerke, Trude Grosenbach, Brandy Leggett, Allison Moore, Liz Mulhern, Maddie Radcliff, Eric Grant-Leanna, Jay Huse, Michael Juarez, and Andy Niess.

ShelterSkelter 14 opens October 8, and runs Thursday through Sunday until Halloween, October 31. Shows start at 8:00 p.m.. Thursday through Saturday, and at 6:00 p.m. on Sundays. There is an extra showing on Wed., Oct. 28. at 8 pm. Run time will be around two hours including intermission.

Regular admission is $15, or $12 for students, seniors, and TAG members.

TAG Night Out on Oct. 8 - donations taken for TAG scholarships and for Lara Marsh transplant fund. Special two for $15 and one for $8 admission Oct. 9-11; $10 admission on Oct. 15, 22, and 28; $20 all seats for the Oct. 31 showing - drink specials and costume party afterward! Tickets on sale now - visit www.shelterbelt.org or contact the Shelterbelt at 341-2757. The Shelterbelt Theatre is located at 3225 California St., Omaha.