“. . . by the glimmer of the half-extinguished light, I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open.”
Phantasmagoria XVII
“FRANKENSTEIN”
The Birth of Horror – June 16th, 1816
The 17th Year of the Long Running Central Florida Halloween Tradition!
Journey with critically acclaimed Victorian Horror Troupe PHANTASMAGORIA as they light the candles at the Villa Diodati, to celebrate Mary Shelley’s legendary and iconic tale as well as “The Vampyre” by John Polidori, along with other stories that horrified the nights during that summer when the challenge “We Shall Each Write A Ghost Story” was presented to all in attendance.
In the summer of 1816, Mary Godwin (soon to be Shelley), Percy Shelley, Claire Clairmont, John Polidori and Lord George Gordon Byron spent their evenings reading ghost stories from the book “Fantasmagoriana”, when Byron issued the Ghost Story summons.
Phantasmagoria is honored (and terrified) to present two tales from that original book – “The Death’s Head” and “The Black Chamber”, along with Byron’s apocalyptic epic poem “Darkness” written later that summer, and of course Polidori’s “The Vampyre” which set the tone for elegant, stately Vampires, all culminating in Mary Shelley’s classic of horror literature “Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus.”
With original music by Phantasmagoria composer Josh Solomon, choreography by Mila Makarova, stage combat by Bill Warriner, puppets by Nic Parks Puppetry, and all new adaptations and direction this is sure to be a darkly enchanting journey for all.
Phantasmagoria’s signature blend of Evocative Storytelling, Phantastical Dance, Large scale Puppetry, Projections, Original Music and MORE will bring to life on stage the haunted and horrific tales that mark the most legendary moments in literature – ones that would change the face of horror forever.
Fall Tour Dates for Phantasmagoria XVII
Previews in Clermont, FL – CLERMONT
OCTOBER 1st and 2nd
Bay Street Players – EUSTIS
OCTOBER 3rd
Ocala Civic Theatre – OCALA
OCTOBER 11th
Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts – ORLANDO
OCTOBER 16th, 17th and 18th
The Athens Theatre – DELAND
OCTOBER 24th
News Journal Center, Daytona Beach – DAYTONA
OCTOBER 30th
TICKETS AVAILABLE BY LATE AUGUST
“See you there. . .if you dare!”
Visit Phantasmagoria throughout the year at:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PhantasmagoriaOrlando
Instagram: @phantasorlando TikTok: www.tiktok/com/@PhantasOrlando
Sampling of Phantasmagoria Reviews and Media Quotes
“One of the most unique theater troupes in the country”
Good Day Atlanta
“If I were to write that it was a good performance, I would be making a vast understatement. They were spectacular to state the least. . .I could and would go back to see them again and again.”
Nightmare News
“The entire atmosphere changes. You can feel the hairs on the back of your neck standing up as though there is someone right behind you…”
Orlando Sentinel
“Phantasmagoria is visually addictive. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it.”
Maryland Theatre Guide
“This was the circus every punk and goth kid wanted to run off with in their childhood.”
Watermark
“They keep getting better and better every year!”
Good Day Orlando
“. . .they’ve become masters at quietly placing that cold, dank hand on the back of your neck in that dark theater, just when you least expect it”
FreelineMediaOrlando
“Phantasmagoria is truly a wonderful, unique sight to behold . . .the audience feels like they have become ensnared by Phantasmagoria’s ghostly tale, and there’s no way out until it’s been finished.”
Lion’s Price Newspaper
“Something wicked this way comes in the form of “Phantasmagoria”
Orlando Sentinel
“A realm of beauty, elegance . . .an adult Halloween treat for the senses!”
TheDailyCity.com
“. . .blends literature, dance, puppetry and poetry into a wonderful post-modern theatrical tapestry.”
WESH.com
“You may think you’ve done theater… but you’ve never done theater like THIS! . . .Phantasmagoria is a mesmerizing, transformative experience that tantalizes the eyes, ears, mind, and soul.”
Dawn Sabato, ComeSeeOrlando.com
“Phantasmagoria manages to bring us back to the purest form of storytelling; in which every whisper, every stomp, and every raised inflection has a purpose. The power invoked in their words not only gives these stories life, but aids to entrance the viewer deeper into the haunting brilliance of their world.”
Citysurfingorlando.com
“Gothic Horror, and Theater: truly a combination that, when stirred together into the magnificent talent conglomerate known as Phantasmagoria, . . .On every level, it is Phantasmagorgeous.”
Victorian Gothic and Steampunk Magazine
“Twisted and engaging, . . .a production that shouldn’t be missed.”
Orlando Weekly
“They keep getting better and better every year . . .”
Good Day Orlando
“All are brutal, all are creepy, and all are aimed to keep you on the edge of the chair. And that’s where you spend the evening. . . It’s elegant and mysterious. . .”
Ink19