Goosebumps Gave Me Chills

Jenna Krysiak as Brooke (left) and Ryan Stepanski as Brian (right) in Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium at First Stage. Photo credit: Paul Ruffolo.

A review of Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium

by Madelyn Verhyen, age 13

I have never seen any Goosebumps production, movie, or book before this musical, but Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium at First Stage was an amazing first impression. It makes me want to see more shows from First Stage, and starring kids in general.

Goosebumps is “as much a love story as it is a thriller,” according to playwright John Maclay. In Brooke and Zeke’s school, there’s a rumor of a phantom roaming the halls. They try out for a scary play and get the starring roles, and though they’re very excited to do this play, Mrs. Walker and Tina tell them the legend of how the phantom came to be at their haunted school. A new kid named Brian appears at school who wants to be in the play, and Brooke suddenly doesn’t know how to speak, or stop speaking. Neither does he. Both of them and Zeke work together to try to solve the mystery of the phantom.

The Chills Cast mostly consisted of 13- and 14-year-olds, but this detail doesn’t make me review them gentler than any other cast. Their voices complimented each other and worked well together. The music was catchy, and the most shocking thing about the show was how good the harmonies were. There are no swears in this production, and nothing is too scary either. If I could watch this again, I would!

My favorite character was Brian Colson, the love interest of Brooke. He was so sweet, and it helped that he was played by Ryan Stepanski. Ryan had a loud voice that wasn’t overpowering, and he showed his feelings through his vocals and facial expressions.

R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium is running from October 11 to November 2 at First Stage. Come, but all who do, beware.