October 27, 2025
By Eve Copeland
Photos by Amy Todd
The Victoria Players Children’s Theater (VPCT) is bringing chills, laughs and musical fun to the beautifully spooky Victoria Opera House in Baltimore (101 S. Main St.) with Goosebumps The Musical: Phantom of the Auditorium.
In the story, two friends—Brooke and Zeke—are cast in their middle school’s production of The Phantom, a play that is rumored to be cursed. Before long, eerie messages, a masked figure and strange happenings force them to question whether they’re experiencing stage fright or the supernatural.
The R.L. Stine story has been adapted for theatre with a book and lyrics by John Maclay and music and lyrics by Danny Abosch.
This production marks Isaac Poe’s directorial debut with VPCT. Poe, who has helped with stage crew in previous productions, has also directed for Millersport Community Theatre (MCT) and been involved in many other aspects of the performing arts.
Music direction is by Megan Hysell, returning for her second show with VPCT, and choreography is by Faith Kaylor, who joins VPCT for the first time after choreographing for MCT, Ohio University Lancaster, and other groups. The show is produced by Jill Henwood.
The cast features young performers from across central Ohio. Leads include Calia Vargas as Brooke, Franco Williamson as Zeke, Ben Chabot as Brian, Kamryn Wilson as Ms. Walker, Dalton Dilley as Emile, Cora Dickison as Tina, Calen Vargas as Corey, Lily LaShelle as Cami, Kaitlyn McArthur as Anna, and Luke Widener as Steve.
The ensemble includes Ellie Austin, Arya Bayless, Vincenzo Centofanti, Sophia Copley, Heidi Hendershot, Calvin Keener, Conrad Keener, Maddie Morris, Knox Docie, Claire Westhoven and Harry Westhoven.
“The show is really great!” said producer Jill Henwood. “A theater friend of mine had suggested it to me multiple years in a row. I finally listened to it and just knew we had to do it. The music is great, and the storyline follows R.L. Stine’s original one very closely. That, plus the fact that we’re performing it in the Victoria Opera House at Halloween, just makes it the best show for this time of year.”
Cast members agree:
- Calia Vargas (Brooke) said this is her fifth show and favorite role so far. “Everyone has put in so much work and it’s a fun show!”
- Cora Dickison (Tina) said, “It has an amazing cast and great songs!”
- Dalton Dilley (Emile) called this his favorite role yet. “It has a great story and the cast has poured a lot of time and effort into the show.”
- Kamryn Wilson (Ms. Walker) said, “You should come because of the great songs and funny, spooky script.”
- Ben Chabot (Brian) summed it up simply: “It’s the best Halloween show!”
Showtimes are Oct. 31 at 7 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. Everyone is invited to wear their favorite Halloween costume to the performances! Tickets are available at vpct.ludus.com or at the door. The venue is intimate, so advance tickets are recommended. Seats cost $15.00 plus a $1.55 processing fee.
With its eerie humor, toe-tapping music, and perfect Halloween timing, Goosebumps The Musical is sure to delight audiences of all ages.
R.L. Stine’s GOOSEBUMPS: Phantom of the Auditorium
Adapted for the stage with
Book and lyrics by John Maclay, music and lyrics by Danny Abosch
Orchestrations and Arrangements by Danny Abosch
Book, Lyrics, Songs, All Arrangements & All Orchestrations ©2016, 2017 Scholastic Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
TM & © Scholastic Inc. SCHOLASTIC®, GOOSEBUMPS®, and associated logos are trademarks and/or registered marks of Scholastic Inc. All rights reserved.
“Goosebumps” and “Goosebumps Horrorland” series of books created and written by Robert L. Stine.
