'The Scariest' Creeps onto Off-Broadway; Opens March 6

The Exchange (formerly Jean Cocteau Rep) takes on some of the greatest horror stories in history with the Off-Broadway premiere of The Scariest. This evening length collection of new plays by Kristin Newbom, Laura Schellhardt, Mark Schultz, and Gary Sunshine is based on the works of Nathaniel Hawthorne, W.W. Jacobs, Hans Christian Anderson, and "The Book of Revelations." Directed by Ari Edelson and Meredith McDonough, performances began March 2 at The Green Room at The Theatres at 45 Bleecker. Opening night is set for Thursday, March 6.

"No matter where in the world, no matter what culture, people know that there is something lurking around the shadows, creeping under the bed. For The Scariest, The Exchange has commissioned four of New York's most exciting playwrights to remix some of the greatest classics of the horror genre. These modern stage interpretations have all been recast into contemporary settings and to confront modern-day terrors with the same punch the famed originals did," explain press notes.

The bill for the evening includes:

• Monkey's Paw. If you had three wishes, what would you do? Just be careful what you wish for. Mark Schultz takes on WW Jacobs classic.
• Apothecary's Daughter.  Have you ever met a poisonous woman?  How close would you get? Laura Schellhardt's take on Nathaniel Hawthorne's tale of love and death.
• Revelations. What happens when your personal life invades your work? Kristin Newbom takes on the last book of The Bible.
• Names of Foods.  What depths do we go to save our own, not knowing what the future may hold?  Gary Sunshine takes on Hans Christian Anderson's "The Story of A Mother." 

The Scariest features Rebecca Brooksher (Dying City), Angel Desai (Company), Andy Grotelueschen (Clowns), Jesse Hooker (Some Men), Mandy Siegfried (Noises Off), Joaquin Torres (King Lear).

In addition to The Scariest, The Exchange will produce a FREE series of lectures, film screenings and exhibitions looking at other ways fear and horror have entertained the American psyches. Experts in genres including film, comics, literature and music will lead showings and discussions both at the theatre and at other locations around the city. A separate scheduled of these events will be available shortly.

The Scariest runs through March 30, Tuesday - Saturday at 8PM & Sunday at 3PM. The  Green Room is located at The Theatres at 45 Bleecker (at the corner of Bleecker Street and Lafayette Street).  Tickets are $24 and can be purchased at www.telecharge.com or 212-239-6200. For more information, please visit www.exchangenyc.org.