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Trick or Treat Thrills with Geordie Productions’ “The Halloween Tree”

Halloween is a special time of the year. It marks the end of the harvest, the days are shorter, and a chill comes on the air. It is the time for a final party as life and nature prepares for the sleep of winter. But where did the idea of Halloween come from? Why the desire for a (good) scare?

“The Halloween Tree” is a marvelous, exciting show for the whole family. Adapted from the novel by Ray Bradbury, the story centres on a group of children who are taken on a magical journey of discovery on Halloween night.

While trick-or-treating, the gang goes searching for spooky scares. At an abandoned house, they meet the outlandish and mysterious Carapace Clavicle Moundshroud (a wonderful and expressive Eloi Archambaudoin). When their best friend Pipkin (Trevor Barrette) disappears, Moundshroud promises the kids that he would help find their pal.

The adventure takes them into the past, to the time of prehistoric man, ancient Egypt, the Celts, the Middle Ages, and Mexico’s Day of the Dead. At each stop, the children learn about the influence and celebration of life and death. They also learn the value of friendship.

the-halloween-tree-by-andree-lanthier
Photo by Andrée Lanthier

This beautiful show uses shadow and light, music, and great sound effects to create a child’s imagination and wonderment of Halloween. The show never slows down as the adventure brings chills and thrills! The cast is terrific: Jimmy Blais, David Chiazzese, Lucinda Davis, Jaa Smith-Johnson, and Charlotte Rogers bring the power of camaraderie with joy and infectious energy. The costumes are beautiful and dazzling.

“The Halloween Tree” is a terrific addition to the celebration of Halloween. A little fantasy brings an extra special treat to the mischief of Halloween!

Photo credit Andrée Lanthier

“The Halloween Tree”:  Presented by Geordie Productions. Directed by Amanda Kellock. Adapted by Amanda Kellock from the novel by Ray Bradbury. Show continues until October 30, 2016 at the D.B. Clarke Theatre, Concordia University Hall Building, 1455 de Maisonneuve West, Montréal. Tickets $19.50 to $13.50. Call the box office at 514-845-9810 or go to www.geordie.ca

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