In the opening number of “Goosebumps the Musical: Phantom of the Auditorium,” the cast sings: “Do you seek out the spark of danger in the dark … do you thrive on the thrill of shrieks so loud and shrill … then follow if you dare — but all who do, beware!”

This fast-paced and atmospheric show, at Orlando Family Stage during the spooky season, is well worth following — by both children and adults, who fondly remember reading the Goosebumps books by flashlight under the covers in their childhood bedrooms. In fact, the theater is holding a special performance just for those nostalgic for their innocent Goosebumps days.

R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series needs no introduction. Designed to enthrall youngsters roughly in third to fifth grades, the books have sold more than 400 million copies since the 1990s, in children’s books that topped only by a certain boy wizard named Harry Potter.

Zeke and Brooke (Rhyse Silvestro and Anna Kate Hindman) love scary stories until one hits close to home in Orlando Family Stage’s production of “Goosebumps the Musical: Phantom of the Auditorium.” (Courtesy McKenzie Lakey via Orlando Family Stage)

“Phantom of the Auditorium” is a musical adaptation of one of the original stories, faithfully translated into a piece of theater by John Maclay and Danny Abosch. Like the books themselves, the stage show offers nonthreatening thrills with a spooky vibe laced with humor.

Director Tara Kromer uses both a quick pace and light touch to keep the kids engaged, but as a mystery fan myself, I was surprised at how invested I was in determining the identity of the titular phantom.

The plot centers on Brooke and Zeke, two rather advanced middle schoolers who love the horror genre. So they jump at the chance to star in a school play called “The Phantom.” But the play comes with a history — it’s supposedly cursed because when it was first produced decades ago, the student playing the title role disappeared. And the school has reportedly been haunted ever since.

Brian and Brooke (Seth Kirk and Anna Kate Hindman) have an instant connection in Orlando Family Stage’s production of “Goosebumps the Musical: Phantom of the Auditorium.” (Courtesy McKenzie Lakey via Orlando Family Stage)

Before long, a Phantom is disrupting the kids’ production — and practical jokester Zeke is being blamed. But as Brooke wisely points out: “In real life, there’s always an explanation.” And there are multiple suspects who could be playing phantom: Disgruntled Tina, who didn’t get cast in the show? Emile, the strange night janitor? Or Brian, a new kid in school who takes an instant shine to Brooke?

One particularly nice touch for mystery aficionados: Drama teacher Ms. Walker shows the audience a literal red herring.

Much of the fun depends on the right mood: Creepy without being terrifying. Costumes by Gabs Gutierrez, lighting by Ben Lowe and especially sound by Anthony Narciso all play their part in perfectly finding that sweet spot.

Alaina Rene Kizer plays disgruntled Tina in Orlando Family Stage’s production of “Goosebumps the Musical: Phantom of the Auditorium.” (Courtesy McKenzie Lakey via Orlando Family Stage)

Laura Mansoori’s breezy choreography complements the catchy tunes, and the cast is appealing.

As Zeke, Rhyse Silvestro is perfectly believable as a squirrelly middle schooler, and Anna Kate Hindman gives Brooke a nicely grounded presence. Alaina Rene Kizer is comically belligerent as Tina, and Seth Kirk has charming sweetness as the new kid in the class.

Pat Clarke and Nyeshia Naomii represent the adults. He is appropriately menacing, and she is a driven but sympathetic teacher.

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The Goosebumps series provided the go-to books for a generation, so Orlando Family Stage is hosting a “Nostalgia Night” performance of the musical specifically for ’90s kids. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in ’90s fashions, and the theater will offer nostalgic concessions and retro lobby experiences.

“Adults sometimes assume they need a kid in tow to enjoy a production like this, and that’s absolutely not the case,” said Zac Alfson, the theater’s senior director of marketing. “This show is packed with humor, suspense and nostalgia. It’s just as much fun for a group of friends reliving their Goosebumps days as it is for a family making new memories together.”

The Phantom has a message to the students of Woods Mill Middle School in Orlando Family Stage’s production of “Goosebumps the Musical: Phantom of the Auditorium.” (Courtesy McKenzie Lakey via Orlando Family Stage)

The Nostalgia Night performance will be at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 18; get tickets at orlandofamilystage.com.

Follow me at facebook.com/matthew.j.palm or email me at mpalm@orlandosentinel.com. Find more entertainment news and reviews at orlandosentinel.com/entertainment or sign up to receive our weekly emailed Entertainment newsletter.

‘Goosebumps The Musical’

What: An adaptation of R.L. Stine’s “Phantom of the Auditorium” from his hit Goosebumps series of books
Length: 80 minutes, plus an intermission
Where: Orlando Family Stage, 1001 E. Princeton St. in Orlando
When: Through Nov. 2
Cost: $20-$48
Info: orlandofamilystage.com

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/10/09/goosebumps-musical-review-orlando-family-stage-phantom/