“Viewer Beware—You’re In For A Scare”: Goosebumps the Musical (StageOne Family Theatre)
Updated: 7 minutes ago
Goosebumps The Musical: Phantom of the Auditorium Book and lyrics by John Maclay Music and lyrics by Danny Abosch Based on the work by R.L. Stine
Directed by Andrew Harris
Review by Lan Nguyen-Colgate
Entire contents are copyright © 2026 Lan Nguyen-Colgate. All rights reserved.
Spooky season has descended upon us with all the usual things –ghosts, haunted
houses, middle and high school theatre productions. It’s the perfect time to see
StageOne Family Theatre’s production of Goosebumps The Musical: Phantom of the
Auditorium (book and lyrics by John Maclay and music and lyrics by Danny Abosch).
Director Andrew Harris brings this “super scary play” to life.
The musical is based on the 1994 book of the same title The Phantom of the Auditorium
–part of the famed Goosebumps book series written by R.L. Stine. Best friends Brooke
Rodgers and Zeke Matthews are cast as the leads of their school musical, 'The Phantom,'
which is rumored to be a cursed play. A series of mishaps begin to occur and increase
in intensity as the students begin work on the production. In between rehearsals and
class, Brooke and Zeke work to solve the mystery of who is trying to sabotage the play.
The show’s small but mighty cast features six top notch performers.* Mandi Hutchins
Johnson plays teacher and director, Mrs. Walker. She captures the passion and
intensity of the best teachers in songs like “The Legend.” Johnson’s comedic timing is
excellent, especially as Mrs. Walker becomes more frazzled under pressure and from
being the only adult in charge. John Vessels plays the only other adult in the
production—Emile, the school’s creepy, old janitor. He’s equal parts cantankerous and
intimidating in “Watch Your Step.”
The student actors really shine in this production. Vee Eckstein and Zeke Dennis
perform as Brooke and Zeke. The two share a strong camaraderie and harmonize well
together in songs “Super Scary Play” and “The Story of the Phantom.” Rylyn Richins
plays ambitious understudy and stage manager Tina Powell. True to her character, she
steals the show for a moment, flaunting her vocal skills in “Understudy Buddy.” Everett
Watson stands out as new kid in school, Brian Colson. He is a strong vocalist. His solo
number is expressive and memorable.
Goosebumps is the perfect treat for horror fans and spooky lovers of all ages. Scares
include blackouts, loud noises, ominous messages, and hooded figures. The music is
catchy and fun. It mixes musical styles including light latin beats and jazz stylings. Of
course, the show pays homage to Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Phantom of the Opera in “The
Story of the Phantom.” The show pays a loving tribute to teachers who believe in the
potential of students and are endlessly encouraging. It perfectly captures the
feeling—and maybe the terror—of being in a school theatre production. Don’t miss this
show, and in the words of R.L. Stine “Viewer beware—you’re in for a scare!”
*Note: the show is double cast—this production featured the Purple cast.
Goosebumps The Musical: Phantom of the Auditorium StageOne Family Theatre
October 17-November 1, 2026
Bomhard Theatre at Kentucky Performing Arts
501 West Main Street
Louisville KY 40202
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