SALEM — The Salem YMCA will host two immersive experiences throughout October and into November with the theatrical production “The Woman in Black” and a candlelit solo piano concert series – “The Haunted Hall” at Ames Memorial Hall.
The “Ames Hall Gothic Series”, beginning Friday, will include four performances of “The Woman in Black” and 20 performances of “The Haunted Hall” with all proceeds from ticket sales directly supporting creative arts programs and scholarship opportunities at the YMCA of the North Shore.
“The Woman in Black”, a two-act stage play will make its way to Salem, bringing the suspense, mystery and theatrical artistry that has made the play one of the world’s most celebrated ghost stories for decades.
The historic Ames Memorial Hall will be transformed into the Eel Marsh House, with director Alexandra Dietrich aiming to create an intimate experience that embraces the elegance and terror of Susan Hill’s classic story.
In addition to Dietrich, the production includes a renowned cast of North Shore theater professionals, including Salem residents Jay Gould as producer, Caryn Boem as stage manager, and actors Gary Ames, Stanis Ames, Tyler Twombly and Ariel Sargent. The crew includes Andrew Barnett, who runs Marblehead Little Theatre, as set designer and technical director.
Following the productions of “The Woman in Black”, the haunting performance experiences will continue with “The Haunted Hall”, a candlelit solo piano concert experience featuring Halloween classics brought to life by internationally acclaimed pianist Eleena Gelfgatt.
Gelfgatt, an award-winning classical pianist and educator with over 20 years of teaching and performance experience, has performed throughout Europe, the Middle East and the United States. In 2018, she made her Carnegie Hall debut and continues to perform at major cultural venues across New England.
Set entirely by candlelight, “The Haunted Hall” offers an immersive experience, blending a classical piano performance with the haunting spirit of Halloween. The production includes Halloween-inspired classics, seasonal works and other repertoire performed in an atmospheric setting.
Performances for “The Woman in Black” will take place Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. “The Haunted Hall” performances will take place Oct. 23 at 6 and 8 p.m., Oct. 24 at 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m., Oct. 25 at 2, 4, and 6 p.m., Oct. 29 at 6 and 8 p.m., Oct. 30 at 6 and 8 p.m., Oct. 31 at 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m., and Nov. 1 at 2, 4 and 6 p.m.
Tickets for all performances are on sale now. More information and updates are available at sites.google.com/northshoreymca.org/salemymcatheatrecompany/gothic-series?.
Michael McHugh can be contacted at mmchugh@northofboston.com or at 781-799-5202