Singing skeletons, dancing pumpkins and glowing puppets will kick off Halloween month in Bonnyville when The Boo Revue! takes the stage at the Strathcona Performing Arts Centre on Saturday, October 3 at 2 p.m.

Created by professional puppeteers Brendan James Boyd and Reese Scott, the family-friendly blacklight musical celebrates the playful side of Halloween with original songs, colourful characters and a little spooky excitement.

Speaking with Lakeland Connect, the creators explained that they wanted to bring back the joyful Halloween experiences they remembered from childhood.

“We think the world’s missing some of that fun, joyous, family-friendly Halloween stuff that we had growing up as kids. So we wanted to bring that back,” they explained.

The interview, sponsored by Northern Truck and Industrial Supplies, offered a peek inside a studio filled wall-to-wall with puppets and blacklight critters. Inspiration can come from anywhere — even a classic See ’n Say toy helped spark one of this year’s new musical numbers.

Friendly frights for the whole family

The show features pumpkins, witches, skeletons and a cast of characters ready to get families into the Halloween spirit.

This year’s production includes a scarier number, but the creators have carefully considered how younger viewers might respond. The characters experience the nervous moment alongside the audience, giving children familiar friends to follow through it.

“They’re here to celebrate with you, not scare you.”

Since the first workshop production in 2023, the characters have developed from the personalities of the performers who created and play them. Some are shy, others are big and over-the-top, giving children different personalities to connect with.

Host Jake Alabaster returns between musical numbers, while a sweet cat character appears throughout much of the show. Those familiar faces help younger viewers feel connected, even when a scene gets a little spooky.

The personalities don’t necessarily disappear when rehearsals stop, either. The creators described performers keeping their puppet conversations going during breaks, sometimes offering each other a little in-character feedback.

Parents are part of the fun, too. Boyd and Scott said they put care into writing a show that adults will enjoy alongside their children.

“We’re never writing down to our audience.”

Families can also meet characters after the performance.

More than 70 puppets and props

Making the magic happen takes some serious stamina.

With more than 70 puppets and props in the production, performers constantly move between characters, clear objects out of the way and bring the next scene to life.

Behind the glowing figures is a carefully choreographed mix of running, kneeling, crawling and quick changes.

“It might look easy to the audience, but after the show, we are absolutely exhausted and sweaty.”

For both creators, puppetry began as a childhood passion. Turning it into a career has taken persistence, but their love for the craft still carries them through the challenges.

They hope families will share that enthusiasm when the lights go down.

“Come ready to make some new friends,” they encouraged, “and hear some catchy songs and get some good laughs.”

Before the lights go down

The Boo Revue! is recommended for ages four and up and runs approximately 50 minutes. The performance takes place in total darkness and includes bright lights, strobe effects, fog and loud sounds. Audience members must remain seated throughout the show. Oct 3, 2026 · Showpass

Tickets for the October 3 matinee are available at bonnyvilletheatre.com.