Every good Halloween party has great music, so add these musicals into your playlists for an extra spooky and original night!
Monstersongs
Ever wanted to get into the heads of different monsters? Then this is the musical for you. Each song is from a different monster's point of view, and it even has a graphic novel to go along with it! This is definitely a top choice if you're looking for new, original music with a haunted spin on it.
Song recommendation: "Blood and Brains" (a duet between a vampire and a zombie!)
Carrie
Based off of the 1974 novel and the 1976 movie, this musical is just as eerie as its source material. The story of "Carrie" is filled with supernatural elements like telekinesis and other scary features like bullies and pigs' blood and extra-religious Christian fundamentalist mothers. That makes this musical a perfect match for the Halloween season.
Song recommendation: "The Destruction"
Be More Chill
This new cult-classic of a musical is perfect for the Halloween season. The topic itself couldn't get any spookier; a kid takes a pill from Japan that implants in his brain, tells him what to do, and tries to take over the whole school, possibly even the entire world. This musical even features a song entitled 'Halloween,' which is arguably the biggest bop on the album with a propelling bassline and shout-worthy choruses, and definitely one of the best instrumental interludes on the cast recording. Definitely a must-play for any good Halloween party.
Song recommendation: "Halloween"
Little Shop of Horrors
A musical about a carnivorous plant, what can get creepier than that? This comedic rock musical is not only great for Halloween time, but is also full of doo-wop infused hits like "Suddenly Seymour" and "Skid Row (Downtown." Not for people with a fear of plants or dentists, however.
Song recommendation: "Dentist!"
Shockheaded Peter
A musical based on a German children's book, but in this musical the children who are the focus of each song always die at the end. Cheery! But this musical, described as a "junk opera," has a very unique and distinct macabre tone to it, interesting orchestration, and an intriguing mix of child-like musicality and eerie rock.
Song recommendation: "The Dreadful Story About Harriet and the Matches"
Rocky Horror
A cult classic, this musical is the epitome of Halloween musicals. No Halloween season is complete without the midnight screenings of this musical, and no Halloween party is complete without playing "Time Warp" at least once. If you haven't heard or seen this musical, get on that. Especially if you can go to a live showing of it (bring props! Maybe the only acceptable time to bring toast and glow sticks into a theatre).
Song recommendation: "The Time Warp"
Sweeney Todd
If you've ever been afraid of getting snipped while getting a haircut or nicked while getting a shave, this is not the musical for you. This classic focuses on a murderous barber and his partner who bakes their bodies into pies. Definitely not a fun Halloween musical, but it's great for when you want that darker vibe, and the music is just phenomenal.
Song recommendation: "Epiphany"
Devil's Carnival
This movie-musical not only takes place in a creepy carnival, but a creepy carnival in hell. It follows misfits and sinners throughout their time in hell, and the carnivalesque score makes this musical very unique and fun to listen to, despite its morbid subject.
Song recommendation: "666"
Repo! the Genetic Opera
Written by the same people as Devil's Carnival, this musical takes place in a time where organ transplants are common, and those who fall behind on payments are visited by 'repo men,' who are essentially assassins. This rock opera has a very heavy rock feel to it, and will definitely be a hit with metal and rock fans alike.
Song recommendation: "Genetic Repo Man"