If Halloween is approaching, it must be time for that theatrical command: “Let's do the 'Time Warp' again!” Consequently, the Circa '21 Speakeasy will stage its 11th-anniversary presentation of the cult-musical smash The Rocky Horror Show October 23 through 31, treating audiences to live performances of classic songs in this nutty, interactive experience that has been delighting show regulars and virgins alike for more than half a century.

Make no mistake: This is not a show with a lovely, happy ending. In fact, it’s an altogether dark look at humanity. And October is a perfect time for The Hunchback of Notre Dame, because it’s spooky and dark – ideal for setting the Halloween mood without explicitly being Halloweeny.

With its source material named "the best American children's book of the past two hundred years" by the Children's Literature Association, the stage version of E.B. White's beloved Charlotte's Web enjoys an October 10 through 18 run in St. Ambrose University's Galvin Fine Arts Center.

Mischa: The subtlety and quietness do mean that the tone is low-key throughout, possibly too low-key overall. Especially in certain scenes, I would have liked more overt tension and some louder raised voices.

Kitty: I actually thought the low-key quality was more of a strength than a drawback.