‘Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium’ @ CenterStage Theatre Works

Production photos by Fable Light Photography

—Hannah Kneen

Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium is haunting Frisco Discovery Center this October. Presented by CenterStage Theatre Works and directed by Charlotte Taylor, this Goosebumps musical was adapted for the stage with book and lyrics by John Maclay and music by Danny Abosch.

If you’re a fan of spooky stories, you might be familiar with R. L. Stine’s Goosebumps series. After the release of the first book in 1992, Stine’s stories rose to such popularity that they stuffed book fair shelves and backpacks all over the place for years. And as you might have guessed from the subtitle, both book and show are based on Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel The Phantom of the Opera and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s subsequent Broadway hit of the same name.

Of course, one major difference between Stine’s version and either of its predecessors is its setting: a middle school auditorium as opposed to a Parisian opera house. Rows of lockers, a cork bulletin board, and the adult cast’s best ‘90s outfits mean this show is a recipe for instant nostalgia. The set goes beyond a middle school hallway however, with a gorgeous backdrop to the “auditorium’s” stage, painted by Reagan Wren. Enhancing the nostalgic effects of Mike Straub’s scenic design, costumers Becky Buehner, Alison Kingwell, and Laurel Merritt help throw us back to the ‘90s with everything from scrunchies to fanny packs to patchy denim jackets.

The cast (again, all adults) takes to playing middle schoolers with aplomb and affection. The plot of the story follows Brooke (Melania Macdonald) who is obsessed with scary stories and has just landed the lead role in the school play, The Phantom. Her best friend Zeke (Troy Murray) is excited to be playing the Phantom—he’s as obsessed as Brooke is with scary stories. Zeke is so excited, in fact, that everyone in his vicinity knows to be wary of his tendency towards mischievous pranks.

Of course, because this is a spooky story, soon after rehearsals begin, someone (or something) starts haunting the theatre. It turns out their play has been performed before with disastrous and mysterious results. The suspects are many and the plot thickens with every scene. Among the suspects are the prankster, Zeke; the new kid, Brian (Nick Merritt); the jealous rival for Brooke’s big role, Tina (Olivia Wilson); the mysterious night janitor Emile (Cam Hayes); and perhaps even the drama teacher, Ms. Walker (Carol M. Rice).

Every part in this production is played with zest, and each character gets their moment in the spotlight. Zeke is enthusiasm personified. Brian and Brooke get a very cute middle school romance, full of cringy rambling and shy flirtation. Tina gets a character arc and some swords, the latter of which really helps her manage the stress of handling pretty much all the tech of their chaotic show.

She and the eerie janitor Emile compete for the title of my favorite character. Olivia Wilson brings a nice intensity to Tina that pairs well with the character’s ambitious drive and slightly psychotic tendencies. Cam Hayes showcases a surprising twist of emotion in an otherwise lighthearted and silly show.

Extra props to music director Jared Duncan and choreographer Ariel Ross, as well as the cast, for all of the lively ensemble work in this musical. Apart from some slight tech problems, this show runs quite smoothly. The story has plenty of twists and turns, along with the requisite surprise ending.

Whether you’re 8 or 80, this one is spooky fun for all ages. And the tunes are catchy enough that if you’re anything like me, they’ll be playing in your head after—and giving you Goosebumps—for days!

WHEN: October 8-18, 2026
WHERE: Frisco Discovery Center (black box theatre), 8004 Dallas Pkwy., Frisco TX
WEB: https://www.cstheatreworks.com/