Quote of the Day: Inspired by a very famous musical, our play within a play invites you to solve a mystery and revel in the joys and TERRORS of creating live theater. With catchy songs, twists, and a talented young cast, (many of whom grew up loving Goosebumps themselves,) we hope to capture the same excitement that has thrilled readers for decades. Ellen Fenster-Gharib, Director for Goosebumps: The Phantom of the Auditorium, on stage at Park Square Theatre through Dec. 14, 2025. 

Cast of Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium at Park Square Theatre, thru 12/14/25. Photo: Dan Norman

My friend Kyara and I thought we’d make a day of theater and see two shows with a Phantom theme. Kyara read the Goosebumps books as a youngster. I’m familiar with them, as well, and I thought a staged musical about one of them would be fun. We were right. The Goosebumps series by R. L. Stine were first published in 1992, giving kids just enough scary and a mix of quirky characters and mystery to turn them onto reading. They’re fun page-turners that spark a love of reading in young people. I’m already a fan! The books have been made into a TV series and two feature films.

Cast of Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium at Park Square Theatre, thru 12/14/25. Photo: Dan Norman

In The Phantom of the Auditorium, the playwright has a bit of fun with the theme of a haunted auditorium, a legend, secret passageways, and mysterious figures taking up residents in the underworld of the place. Students at Woods Mill School are auditioning for their school musical. They have all the usual angst and competitiveness, with an added twist of the stage being haunted. Sophie La Fave plays Brooke Rodgers, the girl who always gets the lead. She’s smart and talented, and curious about what is really going bump in the auditorium late at night. Jack Bonko plays her bestie Zeke Matthews. He’s a prankster, so when mysterious signs show up, or he seems to appear out of nowhere, they blame his silly antics. Both actors have wonderful charisma, chemistry, and tremendous voices. Logan Lang is fun as Emile, the night janitor with a deep voice and a few secrets of his own. He knows the school, and auditorium, like the back of his hand.

Jack Bonko, Logan Lang, and Sophie La Fave in Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium, at Park Square Theatre, thru 12/14/25. Photo: Dan Norman

Jack Bechard plays the new guy Brian Colson. He sparks an interest in Brooke. Ms. Walker (Bridget Benson) doesn’t have a role for him on stage, so she pairs him with Tina, the stage manager. Ani Tonoyan plays the high strung, when will I get my turn, teen girl Tina with confidence and flair. I really liked her songs and take charge attitude. Truman Bednar plays Corey, kind of a goofy guy who adds humor to the cast. Hunter Olson plays Steve who pairs nicely with Corey in the ensemble and fight scenes. To round out the cast, Eva Muchungu plays Cami and Sydney Lin plays Anna. They have their own moments to shine, especially in the dances – while wishing there were clowns in this show! 

Cast of Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium at Park Square Theatre, thru 12/14/25. Photo: Dan Norman

The Phantom of the Auditorium is good, spooky fun for the whole family. It has just enough mystery and suspense to keep you interested. The cast is filled with tremendously talented young adult actors that pull off the teen vibe well! Many people were there with their kids, laughing, sitting on the edge of their seats, enjoying the enormous cookies that they sell at intermission, and making memories going to the theater together. What’s not to love? I’m glad I went. It was a fun opening act for the show we saw later that night. (Review coming tomorrow for that very famous musical.)

Cast of Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium at Park Square Theatre, thru 12/14/25. Photo: Dan Norman

Ellen Fenster-Gharib directs this fun, spooky show. Scenic Design by Michaela Lochen. Jack Moorman is the choreography – very fun choreo with a nod to Thriller moves. And, music direction by Wesley Frye. You can see Goosebumps: The Phantom of the Auditorium at Park Square Theatre through Dec. 14, 2025. I’ve noticed an uptick in theater attendance lately, with many favorite shows selling out, so don’t wait to get your tickets to this fun, family friendly musical, that will give you the Goosebumps!

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Did you read the Goosebumps books? What’s your favorite? Do you have a favorite author and/or series?