A Classic Ghost Story to Tell in the Dark: The Haunting (Kentucky Shakespeare)
The Haunting Based on the works by Charles Dickens Written by Hugh Janes
Directed by Matt Wallace
Entire contents are copyright © 2026 Lan Nguyen-Colgate. All rights reserved.
Review by Lan Nguyen-Colgate
Being in a library overnight surrounded by books seems like a dream. In Kentucky
Shakespeare’s The Haunting, all the cozy vibes are stripped away, and a supernatural
menace turns the experience into a nightmare. The Haunting written by Hugh Janes,
makes its U.S. debut under the direction of Matt Wallace.
The play adapts five different ghost stories by Charles Dickens, combining them into a
singular storyline. Bookseller, David Filde, arrives at the old, crumbling mansion
belonging to the deceased father of Lord Gray. Filde is responsible for cataloguing the
numerous rare books in the library and providing an estimate of their value. Lord Gray is
eager to sell the house along with its contents as fast as possible. Overnight, Filde
experiences a haunting and becomes determined to find the cause. Together with Lord
Gray, he discovers a dark family secret tied to the house.
The show features two principal actors: Zachary Burrell as David Filde and John
Huffman as Lord Gray. In the beginning, their interactions are very stiff and clipped as normal for a pair of strangers newly met and uncomfortable with one another. After the first terrifying night alone in the library, Burrell’s character unravels quickly. Huffman
serves as a buffer, standing for reason. The actors build well off each other’s
performances, pitting feeling against logic.
The expert skill of the production team stands out in this show. The Victorian library
designed by Karl Anderson is beautiful; complete with dark wood shelves holding
antique books which later fall and fly off on their own. A large half-moon window is the
focal point within the room. Outside stands a tall tree with pale twisted branches and a
few tiny leaves just barely clinging on. Jesse Alford’s lighting design deserves high
praise. A mix of amber, blue, and green lights the tree making it a silent, creepy
character. The audience’s eyes are constantly drawn to it, wondering what secrets it
holds. The room switches from electric light to candlelight. Lightning strikes; shadows
quickly appear and move—making the characters and audience question who and how
many people are in the room. Laura Ellis’s sound design is the final element of the
show’s scenic trifecta. It completes the eerie mood with phantom footsteps, scratching
sounds, and ghostly voices.
Based on the writings of Charles Dickens, the show unsurprisingly features a large
amount of exposition, taking up nearly the entire first act. The “scares” gradually take
place, affecting the senses and building tension. And by the close of act one, audience
members will be jumping out their seats. The play’s ending will leave people feeling
deeply unsettled, if not scared. The Haunting is a classic ghost story and just what is
needed for the Halloween season.
The Haunting Kentucky Shakespeare
September 30-November 1, 2026
Kentucky Shakespeare Headquarters
616 Myrtle Street
Louisville KY 40208
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