CHC Embraces ‘Spooky Season’ with First-Time Telling of Themed Production, ‘Tales of Horror and Suspense’ - Crafton Hills College

Publish Date: Oct. 12, 2023

Tales of Horror and Suspense poster

Spooky season is here, and the Crafton Hills College Theatre program is celebrating with a first-time stage production filled with scary but festive narratives. 

“Tales of Horror and Suspense” is composed of four, one-act plays where spooky tales will leap off the pages and onto the Finkelstein Performing Arts Center stage for a night filled of haunting emotions. 

“We try every so often to change things up a bit but haven’t done a Halloween-themed [presentation] yet. So, that is what is happening this year, and because Halloween traditionally has so many short stories associated with it, we wanted to do something with those short stories,” explained Paul Jacques, chair of Crafton’s Theater Arts Department, who is co-directing the production with Crafton student Sebastian Hernandez. 

“Tales” is composed of the following narratives: 

  • “Cask of Amontillado,” a short story by Edgar Allan Poe set in an unnamed Italian city where a man seeks revenge against a friend, he feels slighted by.
  • “Monkey Paw,” W.W. Jacobs’ tale about a man who introduces friends to a monkey paw that grants three wishes but with hellish consequences.
  • And two originals, “Tales of Cthulhu” and “Murder Trivia Party.” 

While some may have concerns with an overall “spooky” night of theater, Jacques assures us the production will be suitable for families, comparing it to features like The Simpsons’ “Treehouse of Horrors” seasonal episodes. 

“It’s going to be a fun-filled Halloween night,” he said. “This will be something that’s not too ‘out there.’” 

Performances of “Tales of Horror and Suspense” will be staged at 8 p.m. on Oct. 13 and 14, and at 2 p.m. Oct. 15. General admission is $10 per person or $5 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased the day of each performance or in advance online at www.craftonhills.edu/ tickets.