Happy Halloween! In need of something festive to do tonight or this weekend? Here is a list of various happenings on campus and in or around Tacoma. From movies to plays to zoos, there is plenty to do, and plenty of things to shout at you “boo!”
Journey into the Phantom’s lair with the original 1925 silent version of the Phantom of the Opera, starring Lon Chaney, featured tonight, Oct. 31, with live organ and piano accompaniment by Duane Hubert and Sarah Stone. Find it at 8 p.m. in Kilworth Memorial Chapel. There will be cake available downstairs after the show. There will also be a dress rehearsal at 6:15 p.m., open exclusively to students.
Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle is open today, Oct. 31; Saturday, Nov. 1 and Sunday, Nov 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Costumes are welcome, but only those under 12 can get a discount. The main event is watching a variety of animals interact with pumpkins, such as Podoc turtles, lions, jaguars, meerkats, kunekune pigs, penguins and lemurs. Check the official website for more details on animal schedules.
Tacoma Art Museum will host its tenth Dia de los Muertos celebration on Sunday, Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stop by for music, dance, food, art-making, a huge sand painting, and more! Museum admission is also free. It’s a fun way to celebrate Halloween with a Mexican flair.
There are lots of Halloween movies in theaters right now to choose from, but here are some highlights. There are a variety of movie theaters in Tacoma, Lakewood and Federal Way, so google your favorite venue to find the best location and time for you.
The Book of Life is a fun animated movie featuring the voice talents of Channing Tatum, Zoe Saldana and Diego Luna. The story follows Manolo, a young man fighting to win the love of a feisty girl. He travels to a fantastical world to discover himself and win her heart. The film features beautiful artwork inspired by Mexican Day of the Dead festivities. Good humor, unique music and beautiful, though often bizarre, animation make this a great way to celebrate Halloween or Dia de los Muertos! Rated PG.
Horns stars Daniel Radcliffe as a young man accused of murdering his girlfriend (played by Juno Temple). His guilt and evil nature slowly manifest as he sprouts a large pair of horns. The movie is dark and intense, but well-acted. Rated R.
Ouija stars Olivia Cooke, Ana Coto and Daren Kagasoff as a group of friends who awaken the terrible powers of the ancient spirit board and must confront their darkest fears. This one is an intense thriller and horror film, but not overwhelmingly scary. Rated PG-13.
The ABCs of Death 2 is a gory horror film that looks at the “vicious wonder and brutal beauty” of death across time. Though intense, it is listed as a comedy on IMDB. Not rated.
Other happenings this weekend, not necessarily Halloween-themed, include the main-stage play here on campus and the first opera of the 2014/15 season at the Rialto theatre downtown.
Susan-Lori Parks’ 365 Days/365 Plays opens tonight, Oct. 31, in the Norton Clapp Theatre! The show is a selection of short plays from Parks’ work, exploring a variety of themes modern and old, political and social, serious and fun.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. tonight and Saturday, Nov. 1; Thursday, Nov. 6; Friday, Nov. 7 and Saturday, Nov. 8. There is also a show at 2 p.m. Nov. 8. Tickets are $11 for the general public and $7 for Puget Sound faculty/staff and students. Purchase at the Info Center in Wheelock, over the phone or online.
The Magic Flute opens tonight, Oct. 31, at the Rialto theatre in downtown Tacoma at 7:30 p.m. and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2. It’s a mystical love story written by Mozart, but adapted for the Tacoma opera stage to feature the Native American Salish culture.
The Tacoma Opera website said, “The story of the Northwest Salish peoples is one of high moral values, an impish sense of humor and an immense respect for nature, all of which blend perfectly with the transcendent music of Mozart’s The Magic Flute.”
Tickets range from $29 to $72, but Puget Sound students can arrive at the theatre two hours prior and, with their student IDs, receive tickets for $10. Contact the box office for more details or visit www.broadwaycenter.org
