By JAMES DILLON
Student Performing Arts intern
NORTH READING — The leaves are changing; the weather is cooler, so it must be time for North Reading’s favorite fall festivities, Haunted Playground!
This town-wide tradition provides Halloween entertainment for all ages and continues to bring smiles and fantasy fun for the whole family, even after 19 years. Sponsored by North Reading Storage Solutions, North Reading High School Masquers is at it once again, with exciting and entertaining productions, skits and activities that everyone can enjoy this Saturday, October 21, from 5-9 p.m.
The student Masquers officers, along with their director, Mrs. Allison Kane, start preparing for this event in the spring. It takes about six months of preparation and collaboration with the town and school administration to put on such an event. Student officers Piper Kirwin (2024), James Dillon (2024), Sofia Naulivou (2025), Daniela Voisinet (2025), Marshall Murray (2025), Mikey Manupelli (2026) and Matt Mulcahey (2026) write, organize, solicit supporters and donations, cast, direct and design the event. A few weeks prior to the event high school students in Masquers are cast and begin rehearsals and construction for the skits.
The event takes place on Saturday, October 21 from 5-9 p.m. at the playground in front of the Batchelder School. The Haunted Playground will continue to host standard attractions such as the Silly Spooky Skits that were original to the event two decades before where the audience will be guided through three live laughable experiences.
When riding the Haunted Horse Hay ride, you’ll be sucked into the magic, when a Mad Scientist may have unleashed some nasty villains, and audience participation is needed to help put things right again The friendly Haunted Maze lets little ones meet some ghoulish friends waiting inside. And don’t forget the Interactive Scavenger Hunt where the Saunder Sisters send you seeking clues and characters (both alive and dead) for prizes. Free magic shows are slated for 5:45 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.
Admission is free but performances need a wristband; participants can enjoy events over and over again with that wristband. The Haunted Hayrides are included in the price too. Each wristband is $25 and can be purchased at the welcome table or at any event. This is a cash only event; there is no credit card or electric option.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
In addition to the rehearsed and devised skits, there is live entertainment, an amazing magician, a cappella groups from across the North Shore including North Reading’s own award-winning group NOTEorious performing at opening to bring the not-so-scary night alive. Additional a cappella groups performing are Tonal Chaos from Saugus, Kings of the Beach from Hamilton-Wenham, and Jewel Tones and Luminescence from Marblehead. The night of performances end with our favorite Middle School group, the NR’Monics performing.
MIDWAY GAMES, SNACKS!
WN concessions will once again provide carnival-style midway games and midway snacks.
And we can not forget the amazing food available at the Haunted Playground. Dinner is served throughout the night, with everything from chowders and chilis, Harrow’s famous pot pies, the Horseshoe Grille’s hot pulled pork sandwiches, pizza from Nick’s, fried rice from China Cuisine, and so much more. And it doesn’t stop there! Don’t forget to top it all off with amazing desserts, candy apples and Cal’s ice cream and hot apple crisp.
EMBRACE THE FUN & WEAR A COSTUME!
Masquers encourages everyone to dress up and embrace the fun of Halloween, but please leave any costume weapons and pets at home. This is smoke-free event. Parking is available in the upper lot of North Reading High School and a free shuttle will run regularly if you don’t want to walk up and down the hill. More information can be found at masquers.weebly.com.
This is a rain or shine event. In the case of really inclement weather the Haunted Playground will be moved indoors to NRHS where full use of the gym, Main Street, hallways and cafeterias will be utilized!