Horror on the Stage: Monsters, Murders and Terrifying Moments in Theater

This book is the first to provide a comprehensive history of horror on the stage,from Classical plays to present-day productions,including nightmarish adaptations of popular writings and plays starring popular characters. It includes over 500 plays documented with dozens of photographs and evaluations by critics and scholars.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 11 July 2023
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

The horror genre has been extensively explored in film and television, but until now, there has been a lack of comprehensive literature on the subject of horror on the legitimate stage. This groundbreaking book seeks to rectify that gap by showcasing the most spine-tingling moments in theater history, spanning from Classical plays like Aeschylus' Prometheus Bound and Euripides' Medea to the violent productions of the Grand Guignol company in 18th-century France and contemporary works such as Stephen Sondheim's musical Sweeney Todd, Stephen King's Carrie, and dark plays by Clive Barker and Conor McPherson of the 21st century.

The book is a comprehensive compilation of the history and behind-the-scenes stories surrounding stage productions centered around monsters, hauntings, and horrors, both historical and imagined. It includes nightmarish adaptations of popular writings by renowned authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, Oscar Wilde, H.G. Wells, Henry James, Arthur Conan Doyle, and many others. Additionally, it features plays featuring iconic characters like Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Invisible Man, The Phantom of the Opera, and The Woman in Black.

With over 500 plays documented, the book is accompanied by dozens of photographs that provide a visual glimpse into these chilling productions. Each entry includes a plot synopsis, existing production data, and evaluations by critics and scholars, offering a deeper understanding of the impact and significance of these theatrical works.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the horror genre, theater enthusiasts, and scholars alike. It sheds light on the lesser-known aspects of theater history and provides a fascinating glimpse into the creative process that goes into bringing these terrifying stories to life on the stage.

Dimension: 254 x 178 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476675558