Top 10 Spookiest Musicals

High school can be a scary place but Westerberg High is more murderous than most. The eponymous clique of Heathers rule the school, until someone starts bumping off the popular kids. Homicide, ‘80s fashion, and teenage chaos prove a killer combination in this black comedy which quickly became a cult classic. In 2014, the “Heathers” musical made its off-Broadway debut, later transferring to London’s West End. The dark comedy we love from the film remains perfectly intact, and we’re happy to say the same about the characters, even while they’re singing the poppiest of show-tunes. The catchy songs, from Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy, keep the energy high despite the heavy subject matter.

“Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” got the musical treatment in 1990, over a hundred years after the novella was published. Unsurprisingly, Robert Louis Stevenson’s gothic mystery makes a sinister spectacle. As Hyde stalks the streets of Victorian London, the audience is treated to some stunning songs by Frank Wildhorn, Leslie Bricusse, and Steve Cuden. Chilling titles such as “Murder, Murder”, “Lost in the Darkness” and “Here’s to the Night” conjure up the perfect spooky atmosphere. The spine-chilling stage show has also been reimagined as a concert version and it’s rumored that there may be a movie musical in the works.

The 1974 horror parody “Young Frankenstein” was a big success back in the day and remains a comedy classic. With its high camp tone and some memorable musical moments, it seemed destined for a musical adaptation. “The New Mel Brooks Musical: Young Frankenstein” opened on Broadway in 2007. It follows Victor Frankenstein’s grandson, Frederick, a New York doctor who inherits a castle in Transylvania but wants nothing to do with the family legacy. However, after meeting Igor, the grandchild of Victor’s henchman, and lab assistant Inga, Frederick is soon tinkering with his grandfather’s experiments. Slapstick, a little smutty and totally unserious, it’s loads of fun, especially for fans of the film.

Also known as “Beetlejuice The Musical. The Musical. The Musical”, this high-octane show takes the beloved ‘80s classic of the same name and dials up the sound and the spectacle. It’s the story of a dead couple and the devious demon they enlist to chase new inhabitants off their property. It’s a bizarre and creative comedy horror, full to bursting with visual effects and quick-fire gags. And, of course, there’s the nostalgia factor for fans of the original. The songs, by Australian singer-songwriter Eddie Perfect, are energetic and witty, and it’s all surprisingly feel-good for a musical that’s mostly about death.

Based on the book by Stephen King and partly inspired by the movie adaptation, “Carrie: The Musical” is a cult success all its own despite being one of Broadway’s most expensive flops. It may have died the death on its original run, but it’s since gained a passionate fanbase and is a popular production for schools to put on (see: “Riverdale”). The high-school horror focuses around the unfortunate Carrie White, who leads a miserable existence until she discovers she has telekinetic powers. She eventually takes vengeance on her tormentors, unleashing horror, havoc and bloodshed. It’s a bleak story, with some dramatic songs by Michael Gore and Dean Pitchford, and even more dramatic special effects.

Originally created by American cartoonist, Charles Addams, back in 1938, the Addams family have haunted our screens since the ‘60s. They made their stage debut in 2009 in this musical comedy. The show is quirky and creepy, with a lot of laughs, a bit of romance and all the familiar characters we know and love. The songs, by Andrew Lippa, are tailored to each family member, so Gomez’s numbers have a Spanish flavor, Uncle Fester’s are in a vaudevillian style and Wednesday’s music is more contemporary. Despite lukewarm reviews from critics, the show was a big success with audiences and has only got bigger and better.

Before Howard Ashman and Alan Menken brought their songwriting magic to the Disney Renaissance, they teamed up to tell this surreal musical tale. When shop assistant Seymour Krelborn discovers a new breed of plant, his luck changes for the better. Unfortunately, the little plant craves blood, and its appetite is insatiable. Loosely based on a ‘60s hammer horror of the same name, the musical takes inspiration from rock and roll and Motown to create its sound. From the catchy opener, to musical theater classics like “Suddenly Seymour” and “Somewhere That’s Green” it’s the songs that really make the show. That, and Orin, the dastardly dentist.

Based on the novel by Gaston Leroux, “The Phantom of the Opera” is one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s best loved musicals. Brimming with melodrama and spectacle, this atmospheric show has delighted and terrified audiences for decades. The setting is the Paris Opera House, where soprano Christine Daaé comes to the attention of the so-called opera ghost, who whisks her away to his lair. The eponymous phantom makes a compelling yet creepy anti-hero and Lloyd Webber’s music takes the spine-chilling story to another level. The title track is iconic and the lavish period costumes add to the fabulous gothic vibe. It’s a great piece of theater and also a lot of fun.

This macabre musical made its Broadway debut in 1979, bagging eight Tony Awards, including one for Best Musical. The character of Fleet Street’s demon barber first appeared in serial form in a popular Victorian penny dreadful. Sweeney Todd has captured the public’s imagination ever since. The grizzly tale follows Todd and the widow Mrs. Lovett, who bake some rather undesirable meat into pies and flog their wares to the good people of London. The musical also gives Todd a dark back-story that helps explain his wicked ways. With songs by Stephen Sondheim and a quirky operatic style, it’s a uniquely sinister show that will have you gripped.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“American Psycho”
Patrick Bateman Gets His Musical Debut

“Ride the Cyclone”
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A loving send up of sci-fi and horror B-movies, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is a Halloween staple and a cult classic. Both the book and the songs were written by Richard O’Brien, who also stars in the movie version as Riff Raff. This chaotic show tells the story of Brad and Janet, two young squares who stumble upon the secret lab of the mad scientist, the fabulous Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Tim Curry originated the role of Frank on stage and also gave an iconic performance in the movie adaptation. “Rocky Horror” became well known for its culture of audience participation, its signature dance “The Time Warp”, and its celebration of sexuality and gender nonconformity. But mostly it’s just a lot of fun.

Which scary story do you think would make a great stage musical? Let us know in the comments!